Court dissolves 23-yr-old marriage over husband’s lack of care

An Agodi Customary Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday, dissolved the 23-year-old marriage between  one Saudat Oladiti and her husband, Isiaka,  over lack of care.

The president of the court, Mr John Oladejo, while dissolving the marriage, said the actions of the respondent indicated his lack of interest in the marriage.

“The defendant was adamant in not honouring several summons of the court for possible peaceful resolution of the case.

“The court has no choice other than to uphold the request of the petitioner.

“The court therefore pronounce the marriage between Saudat and Isiaka Oladiti dissolved today. Both parties henceforth cease to be husband and wife,’’ he said.

Oladejo, however, awarded the custody of three of the children to the petitioner.

“The three children in the custody of the petitioner should remain with her since her evidence before the court had proved that she can continue to cater for the children.

“The first child also should remain with the respondent until otherwise.

“In addition, the respondent is warned not to molest nor threaten the petitioner henceforth,’’ Oladejo stated.

Earlier, Saudat had alleged that her husband often beat her and refused to provide for the needs of the children.

“His relatives are tired and are no more interested in intervening in our misunderstanding.

“Our families have lost interest in our remaining as husband and wife.

“I pray your lordship to dissolve this marriage so that I will be free from his molestation and brutality,’’ Saudat told the court.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the court had adjourned the case three times in its bid to mediate and resolve the dispute.

The respondent, however, failed to honour the court summon.

The court subsequently delivered the judgment in the absence of the respondent.