Readers say a married woman must bear her husband's name

A whopping 94% of Pulse Nigeria Poll readers are of the view that once a woman is married, she has to take up her husband's name. This huge vote was in response to a letter sent in by a reader, Peter, whose wife has refused to change from her family name to his just because her family is wealthy and famous.

Read Peter's letter here:

"My name is Peter and I have been married for barely one year now but it seems may not last long due to interference from my wife's family.

I met at a conference in Abuja two years ago and we hit it off immediately but the first sign that should have told me to put some breaks was when she invited me to visit her family in Lagos.

When I got to their home in Ikoyi, I realised they were what one can call an old money family. From discussions, I got to realise that they were so proud of their name and believes in everything revolving around the family.

I realised they were so proud and look down on anyone they think is not up to their class. I am not from a very rich home but on my merit, I am quite comfortable, so I was not intimidate by them.

The second warning sign was when I took my parents for the introduction. Agnes' mother kept making insinuations on why people should marry within their class and all that.

It was my mother who drew my attention to those talks but I told her that I was getting married to Agnes because I love her and that I would be able to handle her family.

But it was on our wedding day that I knew I was in for something I did not bargain for. The father gave us the papers of a house and a car, all documented in Agnes' name.

I did not read any meaning to that but few weeks later, it dawned on me that I must have made a marital mistake.

When I asked my wife about changing her name, she vehemently refused, saying that she holds her family name in high esteem and not even marrying the president can make her change the name.

I reasoned with her that she can still use the name and add my family name to it but she would have none of that.

The issue even got to her parents and they told me I was nobody and that my name cannot open doors anywhere in the country, and as such, their daughter must maintain their name.

I could have lived with that but they have consistently made me realise that I am living in their daughter's house, drive her car, eat her food and all that stuff.

They are making life difficult for me and at times, I think it is better to call it quits because I can no longer live with this humiliation.

Peter."

Is it necessary for a married to bear her husband's name?

How Nigeria voted:

94% - Yes, it shows that she is now a married woman

6% - No, there is really no big deal in a name

How would you vote here?