Nigeria's house of representatives has passed a bill allowing married women to choose their state of origin.

It's a significant move because it paves the way for many more women to take up leadership roles in local politics.

Legal expert and women's right activist Abiade Olawanle Abiola told BBC Yoruba that married women can now stand in the state where they currently live, or in their state of origin.

Previously, women were barred from standing for political office in their state of origin if they had moved to live in her husband's state.

Mrs Abiade says she had personally missed out on opportunities in her father’s state because of marriage, but can now legally claim such opportunities.