‘I worked hard to feed my family, but my husband accused me of adultery’

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2 years ago

A woman, Muibat Lawal has told the Grade A Customary Court, Oja Oba, Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State that she was no longer interested in her eight-year-old wedlock to her husband, Jelili Lawal on the accounts of no love, public assault and constant fight in the neighbourhood by the latter.

Muibat, in her suit, prayed for the custody of their children who according to her were always neglected by her husband.

She also sought an order restraining her husband from harassing or threatening her.

Jelili pleaded not liable to the first and second legs of the claims.

Muibat, in her testimony, said, “My husband and I had an introduction ceremony in 2015, and he paid paid N5, 000 as my bride price.

“We started living together after this, and our union is blessed with two children.

“My husband started beating me early in our marriage.

“Jelili refused to be responsible. He neglected his duties towards me and our children in the area of feeding, clothing, and education.

“I, therefore, started playing a dual role in our marriage in order that peace would reign.

“I worked round the clock to ensure that our children were well fed and had their needs met.

“Jelili, rather than appreciate my efforts started accusing me of adultery.

“He sought every opportunity to beat me.

“My husband did not only beat me at home, but also in the public, thus humiliating me.

“I had no rest of mind living under the same roof with him because he was brutal in his behaviour towards me.

“Jelili also gave himself a bad name in our neighbourhood because of his inhumane behaviour towards me even in the public.

“He never listened to counsels given him by those who mediated in our differences and was always ready to fight them.

“I decided on having a divorce before he took my life and made our children live a miserable life without me.

“My lord, I pray for the custody of our children, but plead that my husband be ordered to be responsible for their upkeep, giving adequate attention to their feeding and education.

“I, in addition, beg the court to stop him from coming to my house or shop to harass or fight me.”

Jelili, responding, stated, “My lord, my wife is a liar. I have never beaten her since we got married. I only slapped her once after she provoked me.

“I also do not wish to have her back in my house since she has walked out of our marriage.

“I, therefore, give my consent to divorce.

“My lord, I cannot afford more than N15, 000 per month for our children’s feeding, while I also promise to take up the responsibility of their education and pay their school fees as at when due.”

The court president, Mrs S.M Akintayo, giving her judgment, stated that a valid Customary marriage held between both and that bride price was paid.

She, however, observed that both parties, through their conduct, have shown that they were no longer interested in their marriage and have been living apart since they could not dwell together in peace.

Moreover, both parties had consented to the dissolution of their marriage.

Akintayo, therefore, ruled that the Customary marriage celebrated by both parties be dissolved and that they both ceased to be husband and wife.

She granted the plaintiff custody of their children, while the defendant was ordered to be committed to their welfare.

Akintayo further stopped the defendant from harassing, threatening, and fighting the plaintiff.

Both were advised to maintain.

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