A man, Hakeem Olarenwaju, has approached Grade A Customary Court, Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, seeking that it dissolves the 16-year-old union between him and his wife, Fatima Olarenwaju.
Hakeem told the court that his wife whom he met as a single parent started misbehaving a few years into their marriage.
The plaintiff stated that he went into marriage with the defendant despite his father’s disapproval of their relationship, and that today he is regretting his action.
Hakeem explained that Fatima who was initially loving, dedicated and obedient, suddenly changed and became defiant despite allowing her to bring to his house the child from her first marriage.
According to the plaintiff, the defendant constantly denied him sex and rubbed shoulders with him in the house.
He further stated that she took to leaving home without his knowledge and consent, adding that there were times she travelled without informing him.
Hakeem added that he later found out that she was having an affair with another man whom she sometimes lodged with.
Fatima, he added, finally moved out of his house.
He thus begged the court, if his prayer of divorce was answered to grant him custody of their two children whom she has failed to be a good example to.
Fatima was absent in court despite being served court summonses.
Hakeem while giving his evidence said, “I went against my father’s wish and went ahead in 2006 to marry my wife who I met as a single parent.
“Fatima and I had a blissful marriage despite the criticism from my family and my father in particular.
“She was well behaved and dedicated to me and our children. We were always together and shared each other’s dreams. She was my best friend.
“I gave her N100,000 to start a business which blossomed and flourished in a short period.
“We were a happy family until my wife started misbehaving in 2010.
“Fatima cultivated the habit of leaving home without my knowledge and consent and would return home late.
“The more I complained, the worse she became. Fatima would call off my bluff any time I threatened to deal with her.
“I overlooked her shortcomings and allowed her to bring her daughter by another man to my home. But rather than be thankful for my display of generosity, all I got from her were abuses as a result of her caustic tongue.”
The plaintiff further said, “My lord, my wife is unfaithful to me. She was dating another man while under my roof.
“She would lie to me that she was going to cater at a party being a caterer, but would go and spend the weekend with her lover.
“Fatima once travelled out of town for four days without informing me. She left no clue about her whereabouts while her phone was switched off.
“I later learnt she travelled with her lover for those days and this led to a quarrel between us.
“I reported her to her parents and they helped resolved our differences, but Fatima to my chagrin abandoned all her duties in the home.
“She refused me sex and stopped cooking my food. Her daughter was the one preparing my meals.
“She totally neglected me and refused to have anything to do with me.
“Fatima finally packed out of my house which was why I came to court.
“My lord, I entreat the court to officially end our marriage and grant me custody of our two children.
“Fatima’s lifestyle is questionable and as such can’t be a good example to our children.
The court president, Mrs S.M Akintayo, adjourned the case after he has heard the plaintiff and ordered that a fresh hearing notice be served the respondent.
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