A divorce seeking woman, Oluwatoyin Ibikunle, has asked the Court to dissolve her 15 years old marriage, alleging series of abuses against the husband.
Ibikunle, a trader also alleged that her father-in-law offered to pay her N50,000 to end her marriage and engage in a relationship with him.
The 32 years old woman who approached an Akure Customary Court for the dissolution of her marriage to Ayodeji Ibikunle, a 40-year-old vulcanizer.
In her testimony, accused her husband of constant domestic violence, neglect, and endangering her life.
She said: “My husband is irresponsible and has turned me into a punching bag. He keeps threatening my life, and I can’t take it anymore,” she told the court. Oluwatoyin further alleged that Ayodeji had embarrassed and harassed her on multiple occasions.
She recounted that her husband asked her to leave their home under the pretext of renovating the house.
“I moved out deliberately because I couldn’t endure his beatings anymore. My father-in-law even advised me to quit the marriage because of the suffering I’m facing,” she said.
Oluwatoyin pleaded with the court to grant her custody of their children, stating, “The love is gone. I want custody of my children to give them a proper upbringing.”
In his defense, Ayodeji denied the accusations, describing his wife as wayward. He claimed she prioritizes her business and relationships over their family.
“My wife left our home and rented an apartment. I tried to reconcile with her, but she refused unless I refunded the rent she paid to her new landlord. I managed to pay ₦15,000 out of the ₦20,000 she demanded, but she still refused to return. I can’t live without her,” he said.
Ayodeji further alleged that his wife focuses more on her business and her connections with other men, neglecting her family responsibilities.
The court’s president, Magistrate Abiodun Obademi, urged the couple to reconsider their decision for the sake of their children and to maintain peace within the family.
The case continues as the court awaits further deliberations.
