Lukman has informed the Grade A Customary Court located in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, that he wishes to end his marriage to his wife, Aderonke, citing her troublesome behavior, frequent arguments, infidelity, and threats to his life as his reasons.
He expressed that living peacefully with Aderonke has been difficult since their marriage due to her disruptive and harmful tendencies.
The plaintiff noted that the defendant consistently looked for chances to engage in conflict with him.
Lukman mentioned that during their disputes, Aderonke would damage property in their home.
He recounted an incident where Aderonke used a pestle to break their front door and the louvre blades on the windows.
According to Lukman, Aderonke once set part of their residence ablaze, and instead of feeling regret, she boasted that her goal was to burn him alive along with the house.
The plaintiff further explained to the court that the defendant's aggression extended to his workplace, where she made him a target of mockery.
Lukman stated that Aderonke brought soldiers to his shop, who assaulted him, ransacked his store, and left with his inventory.
He also mentioned that she later engaged in immoral behavior and was frequently seen with other men.
Lukman asserted that his wife had caused him significant harm and therefore requested the court to terminate their marriage.
He also asked the court to order Aderonke to vacate the two-bedroom apartment she was living in, as it belonged solely to him.
Additionally, the plaintiff requested visitation rights to see their children, who are currently in the defendant’s custody, on weekends and during holidays.
Lukman further sought a court order to prevent Aderonke from threatening him and interfering in his personal life.
Aderonke refuted all the accusations made against her.
She also opposed the dissolution of their marriage, claiming that she still loves her husband and believes he feels the same way.
The defendant alleged that her mother-in-law was the cause of the issues in their marriage.
Aderonke also claimed ownership of the land on which her husband built their house.
She stated that she added her husband’s name to the land document out of love and respect for him.
The defendant requested a monthly allowance of N150,000 for the upkeep of their three children.
Lukman testified: "My wife and I did not have a wedding ceremony. We met, dated, and she moved in with me.
"Aderonke began to reveal her true character as soon as she started living with me. She became difficult and unmanageable, refusing to let me have a say in our home.
"My wife took pleasure in arguing with me. She often created drama over minor issues and would engage in fights with me.
"Your honor, Aderonke has succeeded in ruining my life because she would destroy my belongings every time we had a disagreement.
"On one occasion, she fought with me and smashed the door of our house with a pestle.
"She also broke the window louvres using the same pestle.
"At another time, Aderonke set part of our house on fire.
"Instead of feeling guilty, she bragged that she thought I was inside and intended to roast me alive.
"I was terrified and left home afterward because I feared she might one day act on her threats.
"Aderonke would not allow me to have peace of mind, even after I vacated the entire house for her.
"She came to my shop with her relatives to confront me.
"My wife bit my hand deeply, nearly tearing the flesh from it.
"On another occasion, Aderonke brought soldiers to my shop, who assaulted me, ransacked my shop, and took some of my goods.
"This led me to file a claim in court.
"After the bailiff served her a court summons, my wife came to my shop to confront me again.
"She ripped my clothes, leaving me nearly naked and humiliated.
"Your honor, my wife is unfaithful. I have seen her with different men on several occasions, and I no longer trust her.
"Aderonke has made my life unbearable, and I do not wish to continue our marriage.
"I request that the court allows us to separate.
"I want my wife to leave the two-bedroom apartment she currently occupies, as it solely belongs to me.
"I ask the court to grant me visitation rights to our children on weekends and during holidays.
"I also request an order to prevent my wife from harassing, threatening, or interfering with my personal life."
In response, Aderonke said, "My husband and I did not perform any marriage rites. We only received a blessing in the church.
"Your honor, I do not agree to the dissolution of our marriage.
"I love my husband, and I believe he loves me too. It is his mother who is causing the issues between us.
"He is lying about me making his life difficult.
"I do not know where he lives since he moved out.
"I have only been to his shop once since he left."
"He assaulted me severely for having the nerve to visit his shop and also struck my brother who accompanied me.
"Your Honor, I am the owner of the land where he constructed the two-bedroom apartment.
"I included his name on the land deed out of respect for him, while I placed our first child's name on the survey plan.
"Your Honor, if my husband is adamant about divorce, I request that the court orders him to provide N150,000 monthly for our children's support.
"I also ask that the court require him to take responsibility for our children's education and healthcare."
The court president, Mrs. O.E. Owoseni, stated in her ruling that based on the evidence presented by both parties, it was determined that they were never legally married and that no bride price was paid.
She noted that they were simply cohabiting.
She further mentioned that the plaintiff had provided evidence indicating he was no longer interested in their relationship.
Owoseni ordered both parties to separate to prevent any potential disruption of peace between them.
She added that the defendant did not refute the plaintiff's claims that she posed a threat to his life, providing specific examples.
Consequently, Owoseni issued an order prohibiting the defendant from harassing, threatening, or interfering with the plaintiff's private life.
She also dismissed the plaintiff's claim regarding the two-bedroom apartment, stating that the court could not grant it because the plaintiff failed to challenge the defendant's assertion that the land belonged to her during cross-examination, which is considered an admission of fact leaning towards joint ownership.
Owoseni ruled that the plaintiff must pay the defendant N60,000 monthly for food and be responsible for their education.
She granted the plaintiff reasonable access to the children, provided he informs the defendant in advance."
(Source: Nigerian Tribune)
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