I refused to pay my wife’s bride price ‘cos she’s not a virgin, man tells court

The president of Grade A Customary Court, Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, Mrs S.M Akintayo, has adjourned a divorce suit brought before it by a man, Kasali, against his wife, Ajoke, on the account of irreconcilable differences.

Kasali stated that he and Ajoke never had a traditional wedding, but that she moved into his house shortly after they met.

Kasali added that he refused to pay Ajoke’s bride price because she was no longer a virgin by the time they met.

The plaintiff insisted on divorce because according to him, no meaningful communication ever held between him and his wife.

Kasali stated that he and Ajoke did not understand each other which was the reason for their regular fight.

Kasali further stated that Ajoke was already dating another man which made it imperative that the relationship between him and her be brought to an end.

Ajoke was not in court, although she was served court summonses.

Kasali, in his evidence, said, “My wife moved into my house shortly after we met.

“We never held any marital rites.

“I refused to pay her bride price when her parents insisted on having it because she is not a virgin.

“My lord, living with my wife was an error.

“We never understood each other and hardly agreed on any issue.

“We lived like cat and dog; shouting at each other and nagging.

“There was communication breakdown in our relationship.

“I heaved a sigh of relief the day she moved out of my house.

“I came to court to end our marriage. This I believe is necessary because she has started dating another man.”

Toluwani Olamitoke