On Friday, Olawale Idowu, a spare-part dealer, urged the Mapo Grade A Customary Court in Ibadan to end his 13-year marriage with his estranged wife, Yemisi, citing frequent violence as the reason.
Mr. Idowu, residing at No. 25, Okeolode Aremo area of Ibadan, expressed deep regret over marrying Yemisi, lamenting that she remained consistently troublesome despite his enduring efforts throughout their marriage.
“In fact, I abandoned the house to her on December 16, 2023, when she violently attacked me at midnight; Yemisi slaps me and tears my clothes at will,” he said.
He said that when she was served a notice to appear before the court, she tore the summons and threw it at him. He tendered the torn clothes and summons as exhibits.
Responding to the allegations against her, Yemisi stated that she was convinced her husband abandoned her for another wife.
“It is true that there was a midnight fight between both of us in December.
“Idowu’s mother was aware of all that took place; rather than resolve the matter amicably for us, she threatened to deal with me.
“My mother-in-law called in the police, and I was arrested,” Yemisi said.
The court’s president, S.M. Akintayo, held that none of the evidence tendered before the court indicated the presentation of a bride price, which was essential in the validity of a lawful customary marriage in Nigeria.
Akintayo said there was no marriage to be dissolved between Idowu and Yemisi because the same never existed in the first place.
Contrary to Idowu’s prayers, the court president awarded custody of the three children in the union to Yemisi.
She directed Yemisi never to deny Idowu access to the children and to be jointly responsible for their welfare, education, and other necessities.
Akintayo ordered them to go their separate ways from now on.
She also granted the order restraining Yemisi from threatening, harassing, disturbing and interfering in the private life of Idowu henceforth.
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