Ile Tuntun Customary Court, Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State has dissolved the 11-year-old wedlock between a couple, Oyeronke Bankole and his wife, Olayinka Bankole.
The court president, Chief Olasunkanmi Agbaje, who observed that their relationship had broken down irrevocably, stated that it was necessary that their marriage be dissolved since it is filled with violence which, according to him, could result in the death of either or both of them.
Oyeronke, who dragged her husband to court, accused him of shirking his responsibilities in the home, reports Saturday Tribune.
She added that he was a drunk and was in the habit of beating and harming her when drunk.
“I no more enjoy having sex with my husband and therefore don’t look forward to it. He suddenly took to taking concoctions to enhance his sexual performance and will deal ruthlessly with me in bed not caring about my feelings.
The plaintiff therefore prayed the court to dissolve their union and restrict the defendant from harassing or fighting her wherever she lives or works.
The defendant failed to appear in court after being served a court summon and hearing.
The plaintiff while giving her evidence stated: “My lord, my husband will beat me to death if you don’t dissolve our union today.
“He cares about nothing except his drink. He drinks from dawn to dusk and can drink a barrel of alcohol in a day.
“He loses his bearing after drinking himself to stupour and starts misbehaving. He will pounce on me and beat me mercilessly, disfiguring my face with his blows and leaving me with wounds and body aches. He once beat me and broke my arm and I was incapacitated for weeks.
“There was also a time he beat and sent me out of the house around 10:30 pm. I would have been at the mercy of hoodlums but for a family in the neighbourhood who took me in.
“He wasn’t in the habit of drinking when we met. If I had known he was a drunk, I would not have married him.
“He took to drinking three months after we got married. I was taken aback the first time I saw him drinking. I pleaded with him to stop and he promised to stop but he didn’t. I reported him to his parents who counseled him but he refused to change.
“My husband is not bothered about my welfare and that of our children. I can’t recall when last he gave us feeding allowance. I’m the one feeding the family with my little income. After putting my wits together to ensure my family is well fed, all he does is to complain. He’s never appreciative of all that I do.
“He once got annoyed with me because according to him, I served him small ration of food and removed the cord connecting the cylinder to the gas cooker. Since there was nothing to use for cooking, I resorted to buying food for our children from the food vendor.
“My husband has failed to be a good father to our children. He has no time for them and therefore leaves them to their whims and caprices. I was shocked to discover that our nine-year-old son is smoking cigarette.
“My lord, I’m through with my husband. I’m no more interested staying married to him. I pray that you separate us today and put our children in my care,” she concluded.
Ruling, Agbaje dissolved their wedlock and ordered that their children be in the plaintiff’s custody.
The defendant was ordered to pay the sum of N100,000 monthly through the bank as their children’s feeding allowance.
He was also asked to be responsible for their education and health care.
The court president demanded that a copy of the judgment be served the defendant.
