African culture places a significant emphasis on the rights of custody and guardianship over children. These rights are determined by the man who paid the lobolo, regardless of who gave birth to the child. This means that even if a child is conceived through adultery by a married woman, the child belongs to her husband, and he has the same rights over the child as he does over his own.

It is important to note that the natural father can acknowledge his rights to the child by paying damages to the husband, and later paying for the child's upbringing when they are old enough to leave their mother. This acknowledgment is crucial for the father to have any say in the child's upbringing.

Additionally, an African man has parental responsibility over his sons until they set up their own ""Home""s, and over his daughters until he hands them over as brides to their husbands. This means that he can sue seducers of his daughters for damages, and any resulting child belongs to him, with his discretion on whether or not to relinquish custody to the natural father.

Despite the strictness of customary law regarding parental rights, the welfare of the child is of primary importance in custody cases. Courts often award custody to the mother's family if it is in the child's best interests, especially for babies and young children who need their mother's care. However, the father can resume custody when the child reaches about seven years old, as long as it is not against their best interests.

It is worth noting that while African culture places a significant emphasis on the rights of custody and guardianship over children, this is not the only factor that is considered when determining custody. The welfare of the child is always the primary concern, and courts will take into account other factors such as the child's relationship with each parent, their living situation, and their overall well-being.

Furthermore, it is important to recognize that African cultures are diverse, and there are variations in customs and practices across different regions and ethnic groups. For example, in some cultures, women may have more say in the upbringing of their children, while in others, extended family members may play a more significant role.

In conclusion, while African culture places a significant emphasis on the rights of custody and guardianship over children, the welfare of the child is always the primary concern. Acknowledgment of paternity and paying damages to the husband is crucial for the natural father to have any say in the child's upbringing. It is also important to recognize that customs and practices vary across different regions and ethnic groups in Africa.