Man’s first duty in marriage is spiritual leadership, not provision — Cleric

A Nigerian cleric, Bisi Adewale, has said that a man’s primary responsibility in marriage is not financial provision or emotional expression, but spiritual leadership.

Speaking in a viral video circulating on social media on Tuesday, Adewale argued that many men place emphasis on providing for their families and loving their wives while neglecting their relationship with God.

He said the most important role of a husband is to act as the spiritual head of the home.

“All men in the house, please listen to this. The first duty of a man in marriage is not to provide. The first duty of a man in marriage is not to love his wife. The first duty of a man in marriage is to be a priest of the family,” he said.

Adewale warned that love without spiritual grounding could become selfish and harmful in marriage.

“If you love your wife without loving God, very soon you will be wicked to that woman because you won’t even know how to love her. Because your love will be selfish love, demanding love. Very soon you are going to hurt her deeply,” he added.

Referencing biblical teachings, he urged men and intending husbands to prioritise their relationship with God.

Related News What some men are pushing their wives into!

Understanding your spouse’s emotional struggles can bring you closer

I celebrate divorce when marriages become unbearable, says Bovi

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and every other thing shall be added,” he said.

He further described marriage as one of the blessings that follow a life centred on faith, adding: “Marriage is other things added.”

Watch the video below:

𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐌𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐈𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 — 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜

Credit: X | metronaija

—

Follow us for more breaking news and videos pic.twitter.com/ULr5OYybh4

— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) June 16, 2026

Hannah Johnson

Hannah Johnson is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over three years of professional experience in reporting, storytelling, and digital content creation. She blends traditional reporting skills with a modern, digital-first approach to journalism, producing content tailored for both web and social platforms. Hannah is skilled at turning complex topics into clear, engaging, and relatable stories that resonate with a wide audience. Her work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a strong commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]