A divorce petition filed by Adewole against his wife Oluwabunmi, in which he claimed that her attitude was unacceptable, has been postponed for judgement by the Grade A Customary Court in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Oluwabunmi was reckless and completely failed in her responsibilities as a wife and mother, Adewole told the court.
In addition to accusing the defendant of ignoring all household duties and leaving their house untidy, the plaintiff claimed that he always came to her aid by taking over her duties.
Additionally, Adewole claimed that Oluwabunmi was usually at odds with him and would always turn aggressive and destructive during their arguments.
He clarified that she would occasionally bite him and tug on his scrotum, refusing to release her grip until he cried out and begged with her.
The plaintiff informed the judge that he came to court because the defendant had just threatened to kill him.
Olubunmi refused to have their marriage annulled and disputed all of the accusations made against her.
Additionally, the defendant denied her husband custody of their children, arguing that Adewole had treated her cruelly and without compassion.
“My lord, I am pleading for divorce because my wife lacks all it takes to be dutiful wife and loving mother. Our marriage is devoid of love and care. My wife was lazy, dirty and disrespectful,” the defendant said.
“We met about eight years ago and later held an introduction ceremony before she started living with me. I did not pay her bride price.
“My wife, rather than be a blessing unto me, frustrated me throughout the time we lived together. She was lazy and constantly abandoned her duties in the home.
“She never cleaned the house; never fetched water nor cooked. I took up these chores to cover up for her lapses, but she was unappreciative of my kind gesture towards her.
“She neglected me and always fought me any time I called her attention to her irresponsible attitude. She would go violent, jump at me, tear my clothes, and sometimes bite me.
“My wife would go as far as destroying my things. She once smashed my expensive mobile telephone handset during a fight and showed no sign of remorse.
“Oluwabunmi was in the habit of pulling my scrotum any time we fought. She would pull it and refused to release it until I screamed and pleaded with her.
“My wife also maltreated our children. She always beat our first child blue black and later took to threatening me.
“I had our four children through cesarean operation, and only two of them are alive today.
“He knew the state of my health, but he still expected that I carried out tasks that were injurious to my health.
“The doctor specifically told him to excuse me from strenuous jobs, but he still insisted that l swept, cooked, and washed his clothes.
“My husband was nonchalant towards our children’s welfare.
“He paid little or no attention to their feeding and education. I have taken up these responsibilities over the years.
“He also neglected my emotional needs. He denied me s3x for over two years. I reported him to his sister, who unfortunately made matters worse. She took sides with my husband and rebuked me.
“I was humiliated and I felt cheated.
“My sister-in-law and I ended up fighting each other, which made my husband to send me packing.”
Since no traditional wedding was held and no bride price was paid, the court’s president, Mrs. S.M. Akintayo, issued a ruling declaring that there was no marriage to be dissolved.
Because they are minors and still require maternal care, Akintayo placed their children in the defendant’s custody.
The plaintiff’s private life could not be threatened or interfered with by the defendant.
