A spare-part dealer, Olawale Idowu, appeared before a Grade A Customary Court at Mapo, Ibadan on Friday, seeking to end his 13-year-old marriage to his estranged wife, Yemisi, on the grounds of constant violence.
Idowu, residing at No. 25 Okeolode Aremo area of Ibadan, expressed regret over marrying Yemisi, citing her troublesome behavior despite his endurance.
“My lord, in spite of my relentless endurance in our matrimony, Yemisi remained troublesome. In fact, I abandoned the house to her on Dec. 16, 2023, when she violently attacked me in the midnight,” Idowu lamented. “Yemisi slaps me and tears my clothes at will,” he added.
Idowu further revealed that when Yemisi was served a notice to appear before the court, she tore the summons and threw it at him.
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He presented the torn clothes and the summons as exhibits.
In response to the allegations, Yemisi contended that her husband abandoned her for another woman.
“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 stated.
The court’s President, Mrs. S.M. Akintayo, observed that none of the evidence presented indicated that there was a presentation of bride price, which is essential for the validity of a lawful customary marriage in Nigeria.
Akintayo ruled that there was no marriage to be dissolved between Idowu and Yemisi because it never legally existed.
Despite Idowu’s plea, Akintayo awarded custody of the three children from the union to Yemisi.
She instructed Yemisi not to deny Idowu access to the children and stated that both parents should be jointly responsible for their welfare, education, and other necessities.
Akintayo ordered the couple to go their separate ways and issued a restraining order preventing Yemisi from threatening, harassing, disturbing, or interfering in Idowu’s private life henceforth.
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