My wife slapped me in the presence of my boss, colleagues, tore my clothes —Husband

A man, Ajayi, has told Grade A Customary Court, Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, that he is no longer interested in his wedlock to his wife, Lanre, on the grounds of violence and lack of peace.

Ajayi alleged that their home had known no peace since they got married because his wife was quarrelsome and violent.

He added that she always sought every opportunity to fight and disgrace him.

According to the plaintiff, the defendant once fought him throughout the night and left him with wounds all over his body.

He further said that at another time she came to his office to fight and slap him.

In addition to the slaps, Ajayi also claimed that Lanre went further to tear his clothes to shreds thereby disgracing him.

Ajayi said the court should also grant him their children’s custody.

He further requested an order restraining her from threatening and interfering with his private life.

Lanre, in her response, pleaded not liable to all the allegations when they were read to her.

She refused that their union be dissolved and their children be handed over to her husband.

According to her, her husband dragged her to court only because he wanted to marry another wife.

Ajayi said in his testimony: “My wife and I started living together after I impregnated her. She moved in without any ceremony. I also did not pay her bride price.

“I regret ever having anything to do with my wife because she turned out to be a thorn in the flesh. Lanre is irresponsible and has consistently failed in her role as wife and mother towards me and our children. All she knows to do is to fight me.

“She once fought me throughout the night and refused that our neighbours had a restful sleep.

“She left me feeling sour as a result of the wounds she left all over my body.

“She also came to my office to fight me. She slapped me in the presence of my boss and colleagues and went further to tear my clothes to shreds. I almost lost my job.

“My mother-in-law has made matter worse in our home. She was in the habit of backing her daughter any time we fought. She once arrested me with the police after my wife and I fought and I was detained by the police.

“I was eventually released on health grounds.

“My lord, all I pray for is divorce and custody of our children.”

Lanre, in her response, said: “My lord, my husband is a liar. He brought those allegations against me to paint me black before the court.

“I am not ready to divorce him. I heard he is dating another woman.

“He dragged me to court because he wants to take a second wife.”

The court president, Mrs S.M Akintayo, in her judgment, stated that both were not married but merely cohabiting since no customary marriage was held between them, and no bride price was paid.

She granted the defendant custody of their children and ordered the plaintiff to be responsible for their upkeep, giving feeding, education and health care a priority.

She further restrained the defendant from threatening and interfering with the plaintiff’s private life.

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