A 32 year old trader and mother of three,Oluwatoyin Ibikunle, has asked an Akure Customary Court to dissolve her 15-year old marriage, following constant physical abuse from her husband, Ayodeji, a 40-year old vulcanizer.
Oluwatoyin, also told the court that her father in-law advised her to quit the marriage and allegedly offered her N50,000 in exchange for an affair.
She informed the court that her husband had turned her into a punching bag. According to her “He’s irresponsible and keeps threatening my life.
“ I can’t take it anymore,” she said, revealing that Ayodeji had also embarrassed and harassed her multiple times.
The petitioner said that her husband once asked her to leave their home under the guise of renovating the apartment.
“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 added. She alleged that her father-in-law once proposed to her, offering ¦ 50,000 in exchange for an affair.
According to her, the husband leaves her to shoulder all responsibilities.
Oluwatoyin told the court that “The love is gone. I want custody of my children to give them a proper upbringing,” she pleaded.
While responding, Ayodeji, denied the allegations.
Ayodeji described the wife as wayward, adding that she prioritised her business and relationships over their family.
According to him “ 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 the new landlord.
“I managed to pay ¦ 15,000 out of the ¦ 20,000 she requested, but she still refused to return. I can’t live without her.
“All she cares about is her business and her relationships with other men.”
The court’s president, Magistrate Abiodun Obademi, urged the couple to reconsider their decision for the sake of their children and for peace to reign in the family Magistrate Obademi thereafter adjourned further hearing to January 28, 2025.