‘One vagina kills the penis’: Exploring Urhobo and Isoko attitudes towards polygamy

Abstract

This study examines the attitudes of the Urhobo and Isoko people towards polygamy, with a focus on the cultural significance of the proverb, ‘Ohoro ?vo hwe osh?’, literally one virgin kills the penis. This phrase, rooted in traditional mythology, suggests that a man's habitual sexual encounter with only one woman can lead to the devastating consequence of non-erection. This research investigates how this belief influences Urhobo and Isoko attitudes towards promiscuity in general and polygamy in particular, including their perceptions of marital fidelity, sexual purity, and male virility. Through a qualitative analysis of interviews and focus groups, this study provides insights into the complex cultural dynamics underlying Urhobo and Isoko attitudes towards sexual promiscuity.