Olalere has petitioned the Customary Court in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, for the dissolution of his marriage to his wife, Mojisola, on grounds of irresponsibility, lack of love, irreconcilable differences, and domestic abuse.
Mojisola, according to Olalere, exhibited no love or concern for him or his children and was known to ignore his commands at homeThe plaintiff claimed that the defendant was violent and was constantly willing to fight him and their neighbours.
According to Olalere, Mojisola supported their second child’s decision to marry while still in school.He claimed that she refused to have their fourth kid attend the school he registered them in since it was public.
Olalere stated that he was fed up with his wife’s impolite behavior and requested that their marriage be terminated.The plaintiff also requested custody of their youngest kid, a boy, so that he could raise him to be a responsible man.He also requested an injunction prohibiting his wife from threatening and interfering with his personal life.
Mojisola disputed all of her husband’s charges against her and refused to break their marriage.She said that her husband had a history of sending his women packing.She claims he evicted four of his wives from his house.
She added that he was always threatening to charm and murder her.The defendant further stated that their marriage had already been dissolved and that her husband had been granted custody of their children.
She went on to say that her husband began hitting and mistreating his children, prompting his family members to ask her to return to him so that she could provide the required love and care.
Olalere stated in his testimony: “My wife and I did not have a conventional marriage, and I did not pay her bride price.“I have never enjoyed our marriage for a second since she moved in with me.“Mojisola does not show interest in my welfare and that of our children.
“She shows me no love or affection. I feel neglected and alone despite having her around me.“My wife readily flouts my order and dismisses my views on issues.“She told me that one of our daughters who was still a student had met a man she wanted to marry.
“I told my wife that our daughter was still in school and too young for marriage, but she threw her weight behind our daughter.“I felt humiliated and reported my wife to her pastors in church and elders in our neighbourhood.“They all counseled her and pointed her attention to the implications of supporting such an unwise decision.
“Rather than show appreciation and take to their godly counsel, she made them my enemies.“I enrolled one of our children in a public school, but my wife was against it.“She refused that she attend classes and denied her the opportunity of sitting for the common entrance examination into the secondary school, thus bringing about a setback in our child’s life.
“Mojisola is violent and derives joy in fighting me.“She is always ready to pick at my faults and fight me.“She extended her unruly behaviour to our neighbours who never ceased to complain about her irrational behaviour.“Mojisola has turned me into a source of ridicule before our children and those in the neighbourhood.“I am tired of our relationship and want an end to it.
“I pray the court to stop our marriage and grant me custody of our last who is a male and would need to be nurtured to be a responsible man.I, further request for an order restraining my wife from threatening and interfering with my private life.”
Mojisola in he reply said: “My husband is in the habit of throwing his wives out of his house.“He had thrown out four women before marrying me.I do not agree to divorce. He cannot send me packing like others.
“He changed and became troublesome after we had our second child and refused that I have rest of mind.“He sent our second child out of the home because she wanted to get married and threatened to charm and kill me.“He once dragged me to court for divorce, and his prayer was granted.
“He was granted custody of our children, but his family came pleading that I returned to him because he was beating and maltreating them.“I never stopped any of our children from going to school.“In fact, we are both responsible for the payment of their school fees.”
Mrs. S.M Akintayo, the court president, noted in her decision that there was no marriage between the two couples, but rather cohabitation.
According to her, no traditional marriage was performed between the two, and no bride price was given.
She further stated that because the plaintiff was no longer engaged in their connection, the defendant was prohibited from threatening or interfering with his private life.
