Grade A Customary Court, Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, has adjourned for judgement a divorce suit brought before it by a man, Aderopo, against his wife, Joyce, which was hinged on what he said are irreconcilable differences.
Aderopo told the court that he and Joyce had been married for more than 40 years, but that they had always lived like strangers in their home.
The plaintiff stated that no communication took place between him and the defendant, while she took decisions on her own.
He added that she denied him s3x for seven years and also stopped cooking his meals about five years ago.
Aderopo added in his statement that every attempt to settle their differences had met with a brick wall.
According to Aderopo, Joyce was in the habit of attending functions that sometimes involved travelling without his consent, and claimed that Joyce did the worst when she abandoned him and relocated to Canada without his knowledge.
He, therefore, pleaded with the court to put an end to their union.
Joyce did not make an appearance in court despite being served court summonses.
Aderopo in his testimony said, “My wife and I had a traditional wedding and I paid her bride price, but this was returned to me. Our marriage of almost 45 years is filled with crisis.
“My wife and I lived under the same roof like total strangers. We did not communicate nor interacted. The only times we communicated were the times we were planning for our children’s wedding.
“The last time we had sex was seven years ago. She once starved me of food for a whole month. That was five years ago. I decided to stop eating her food after that.
“I knew little or nothing about my wife’s activities because she never took me along in her plans and always took decisions on her own.
“She would go out without my consent and return home late. I had to stay awake on many occasions till she returned.
“There were times she attended her friends’ functions outside the state without my consent and returned days after. I was forced to change the keys to the main door of our apartment because of her movements were unpredictable.
“She went for an official programme outside the state which ought to be attended by both of us. I was surprised when my colleagues, who were also at the event, called to inform me that she came.
“Our relatives and friends have made several attempts at settling our differences, but she always denied the fact that our marriage is facing challenges.
“My wife did the unpardonable when she abandoned me and relocated to Canada without my knowledge.
“I came to court because I want to be liberated from our wedlock. I also want the world around us to know that there is nothing between us any longer.”
The court president, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, adjourned the case until March 17.
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