ONYEKACHI AJA OTISI, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The Appellant lodged this appeal against the judgment of C. J. Aneke, J., of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, delivered on October 5, 2015, wherein the claims of the Appellant were dismissed.
The facts leading to this appeal, as presented by the Appellant, may be summarized in this manner: The Appellant, was born and raised according to Biblical standards and values of the Catholic faith. The fundamental pillars of the Catholic faith are Seven Sacraments, which are Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Penance or Reconciliation, Confirmation, Holy Orders, Matrimony and Extreme Unction. Matrimony is the sacrament of marriage of man and woman. The Appellant has conscientiously adhered to the Catholic Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Penance or Reconciliation, and Confirmation without State intervention. However, it was his contention that the State, through Sections 21 to 26, 33[2][a] & [b] of the Marriage Act and 15…