Tawakalitu Olayiwola, an Ibadan-based trader, petitioned a Mapo Grade A Customary Court in Ibadan on Wednesday to annul her 20-year marriage for theft and battery.
Olayiwola stated that she decided to divorce her husband, Ganiu Olayiwola, because her life was in danger due to her constant high blood pressure.
Ganiu, she claimed, had been battering her since 2003 at the slightest provocation.
“He even attempted pouring acid on me, and this is the reason why I became hypertensive.
“Ganiu had never been a responsible husband to me and father to our three children.
“My Lord, he usually gives the three children and me N1,000 as a six-month feeding allowance.
“Because of his carelessness, I worked very hard to keep the home running, especially for the children, but Ganiu was dissatisfied with me.”
“In fact, I started denying him sexual intercourse because I was too tired when he made advances to me at night,” she explained.
“As a result, he branded me an adulterer and wreaked havoc on me.”
Olayiwola went on to explain how her husband stole her television, money, and phone.
“I had Ganiu arrested and interrogated for stealing some of my property, but he denied it.
However, when we got home from the police station, I saw the same mobile phone he denied stealing with him.
“Ganiu has become a negative influence on our first child, as he is now displaying his bad character,” she added.
However, the respondent, who did not oppose the suit, admitted that he truly beats his wife for constantly returning home late at night.
“I was patient with Tawakalitu and warned her for three years, but she remained an unruly wife.
“In fact, if she wants to break up with me, Olayiwola is free,” Ganiu explained.
Mrs. S.M. Akintayo, the court’s President, ruled in his decision that there was no marriage between Olayiwola and Ganiu to be dissolved in the first place.
Based on the evidence presented to the court, Akintayo explained that there was no valid customary marriage between them.
She granted the petitioner custody of the union’s three children and ordered the respondent to assume responsibility for the children’s feeding, schooling, and medical needs.
The president also issued an order prohibiting Ganiu from harassing, intimidating, or interfering with Olayiwola’s personal life.
