A Grade A Customary Court sitting in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, heard the testimony of a woman, Idiah, who filed a petition for the dissolution of her marriage to her husband, Olalekan, on grounds of irresponsibility, destructive behaviour, infidelity, and domestic violence.
Idiah told the court that although Olalekan was expected to be the family’s breadwinner, he consistently failed to provide for the household.
She alleged that he regularly neglected her and their six children, leaving them without adequate support.
According to the plaintiff, Olalekan spent lavishly on his girlfriends while refusing to meet the needs of his family.
She further claimed that he frequently brought different women into their matrimonial home and slept with them on their marital bed.
Idiah stated that whenever she confronted her husband about his conduct, he responded with severe physical abuse.
She also alleged that Olalekan was in the habit of destroying her goods and wares, which led to the bankruptcy of her business.
The plaintiff further informed the court that her husband constantly threatened her, forcing her to live in fear for her safety.
In addition to seeking a divorce, Idiah requested custody of their six children.
She urged the court to order her husband to take responsibility for the children’s welfare, including their feeding, education, and healthcare.
She also sought an order restraining him from threatening, harassing, or interfering with her private life.
Despite being duly served with court summons, Olalekan failed to appear before the court.
Idiah, while giving evidence before the court, stated: “My husband and I only performed an introduction ceremony before we started living together as husband and wife.
“He never paid my bride price. He failed in his responsibilities as the breadwinner of the family and neglected both me and our six children.
“He cared little about our welfare and left us to suffer. Our children’s education has never been a priority to him. My husband is reckless and has a string of girlfriends on whom he spends his income lavishly.
“He has no regard for my feelings and often brings his lovers into our home, where he sleeps with them on our matrimonial bed.
“Whenever I complained about his immoral lifestyle, he would beat me severely. I single-handedly catered for our children through the proceeds of my business, but he eventually ruined it.
“He was in the habit of destroying my goods and wares whenever he assaulted me.
“I no longer feel safe living with him because he constantly threatens me.
“I have endured enough of my husband’s atrocities.I therefore pray the court to dissolve our union.
“I also seek custody of our six children and request that my husband be ordered to take full responsibility for their upkeep.
“Furthermore, I urge the court to restrain him from threatening or interfering with my private life.”
Following her testimony, the court president, Mrs. S.M. Akintayo, adjourned the case and ordered that a fresh hearing notice be issued and served on defendant.