A woman, Ronke Ogundare, has pleaded for divorce at Grade A Customary Court, Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State on the grounds of lack of love, domestic violence and public assault by her husband, Segun Aladesokan.
Ronke also prayed for the custody of their children and perpetual injunction restraining her husband from threatening and interfering with her private life.
The plaintiff further beseeched the court to rule that her husband be made responsible for their children’s upkeep, making feeding, education and medical attention a priority.
Segun was absent in court after being served a court summon and court hearing.
Ronke while giving details for her reasons for wanting divorce said, “My husband is a brute. He has been beating me since we got married 20 years ago and is not ready to change.
“We had introduction ceremony after we courted for a few months, but he did not pay my bride price.
“My husband changed immediately we got married and started behaving irrationally.
“Segun loved to brag that he was the head of the home, but failed to take up the responsibilities attached to this.
“He neglected my welfare and that of our children and refused to meet our needs.
“My husband would flare up when I complain and on many occasions descend on me with punches.
“He treated me with disdain and would not be satisfied until he tore my clothes and leave me stark naked in the presence of our children and neighbours. He thus turned me into a laughing stock in our compound and neighbourhood.
“I felt sore almost all the time as a result of the bruises and pain I bore from his beatings.
“Our children and I related with my husband in fear because of his unfriendly nature and his maltreatment of us.
“My husband did not restrict his maltreatment of me to our home, but sometimes came to my office to beat and tear off my clothes, thus humiliating me.
“I got fed up with his cruel behaviour and moved out of his house to my parents’. Segun to my chagrin came there twice to beat my mother, damming all consequences.
“My husband is indifferent to our children’s education. I enrolled them in school and have been paying their fees.
“Segun of recent started threatening to deal with me. He vowed to pour acid on me and disfigure me.
“My lord, my husband can make real his threat which was one of the reasons I came to court.
“I beseech this honourable court to dissolve our union and grant me custody of our children.
“I also pray that the court make him responsible for our children’s welfare, giving the most attention to their feeding, education and health care.
“I further plead with the court to restrain him from threatening me or interfering with my private life.”
The court president, Mrs S.M Akintayo, giving her judgment, stated that there was no marriage to be dissolved since no bride price was paid.
Akintayo granted the plaintiff custody of their children and ordered the respondent to be responsible for their feeding, education and medical service.
She further restrained the respondent from harassing the plaintiff and interfering with her private life.
A copy of the judgment was ordered to be served the respondent.
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