A 70-year-old man, Ahmed Babalola, has told the Grade A Customary Court, sitting at Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, that he was fed up with the relationship with his wife, Aduke, whom he alleged was troublesome, violent, destructive, fond of causing disaffection in his family and humiliating him by accusing him of non performance in bed.
Babalola claimed that Aduke is a nightmare to live with.
He added that his 30-year-old marriage had been difficult because of his wife’s “uncouth behaviour.”
Babalola told the court that Aduke made him a laughingstock before neighbours and relatives by claiming he was incapable in bed.
According to the plaintiff, nothing he ever did pleased the defendant, who he claims was constantly filled with anger and eager to pick a fight.
He added that he had to sleep with one eye open because of his wife’s violent nature.
He further explained that he tore the clothes he had sewn for his 70th birthday celebration and also destroyed his birthday cake.
The plaintiff claimed he endured humiliation and threats to his life from his wife, and he could no longer tolerate these any longer.
He, therefore, prayed the court to rule that they go their different ways.
Aduke consented to the divorce but requested that the court direct her husband to be responsible for their children’s upkeep, highlighting feeding, education, and health care as needing most attention.
“My wife and I had been married for almost 30 years, a period filled with pain and regret,” he said.
“I find my wife’s behaviour towards me detestable.
“Aduke conducts herself in an uncouth manner. She is always rude and quick to pick fights. She never listens to my instructions or takes my advice.
“During our disagreements, my wife always shouts me down and insists on having her way.
“My wife never stops humiliating me. She tells anyone who cares to listen that I am s3xually inadequate, which is a lie.
“Even at 70 years of age, I remain strong and capable in bed.
“Aduke is violent and uncontrollable. She has drawn a knife on me twice during our arguments.
“I would have been a dead man by now but for the timely intervention of our neighbours.
“I reported her to the police, but she bragged that she would do something worse.
“I sleep with one of the eyes open because I fear she could st@b me to death in my sleep.
“My wife has become a thorn in the flesh of everyone who interacts with her.
“She has succeeded in tearing my family apart by turning one member against the other.
“Aduke also turned what was meant to be a joyous 70th birthday celebration into a nightmare when she engaged me in a fight.
“She tore my newly sown attire, and ruined my cake.
“My lord, I have endured my wife’s behaviour long enough.
“I pray this honourable court to dissolve our marriage. I also request an order preventing her from threatening me or infringing on my privacy.”
The court president, Mrs S.M Akintayo, adjourned the case until May 6 for defence.