A woman, Kemi Lawrence has dragged her husband, Gbenga Lawrence before Grade A Customary Court, Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, pleading that it brought to an end the 10-year-old wedlock between them on the grounds that the latter was irresponsible and always fighting her.
Kemi explained that Gbenga regularly shirked his responsibility towards her and their children, and that he refused to change despite calling his attention to this which often resulted in a brawl between them. According to Kemi, both her family and that of her husband, tired of mediating in their differences gave their full support to her decision to end their marriage.
The plaintiff begged the court to put their children in her care while the defendant could visit them at will.
She further prayed the court to make her husband responsible for their children’s needs.
Gbenga pleaded not liable to the claims brought against him.
Kemi in her evidence explained that, “My husband and I have been married for 10 years which I refer to as years of horror.
“The greatest mistake I ever made in life was going into wedlock with my husband.
“Our marriage has almost marred my life which was my reason for coming to court today.
“I have enjoyed no peace since I got married to my husband. Gbenga is a devil in disguise.
“My husband daily starves me and our children. He is indifferent to our welfare and constantly shirks his responsibility towards us.
“He doesn’t know how our children and I survive each day, while their education has never been his priority.
“I tolerated his atrocities for long, but rebelled when I could not bear with his ruthless lifestyle any longer.
“This resulted in the regular scuffle in our marriage. The more I complained of his shortcomings the more he beats me.
“I reported him to his parents and mine, and they counseled him, but he turned a deaf ear to their words of admonition.
“Our home has now become a boxing arena and it is therefore always noisy.
“My lord, I am tired of being deprived of necessities of life my husband.
“Our regular fight on the other hand is taking its toll on my health.
“I believe I will fare better without my husband which is the reason for my prayer of divorce.
“Our family members are in support of my decision to end our marriage because they no longer see any future in it.
“I, therefore, entreat this honourable court to hear my prayer and grant me custody of our children.
“He can have access to them whenever he desires to.
“My lord, I beg that you enforce it that my husband be responsible for our children’s welfare.
The court president, Mrs S.M Akintayo after she has heard the plaintiff, adjourned the case till April 26.
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