A vehicle spare-parts dealer, Olawale Idowu, petitioned a Grade A Customary Court at Mapo, Ibadan on Friday to dissolve his 13-year marriage to his estranged wife, Yemisi, citing persistent violence as grounds.
Idowu, residing at No. 25, Okeolode, Aremo area of Ibadan, expressed deep regret over marrying Yemisi, highlighting her continuous troublesome behavior despite his enduring efforts.
“I left our home on December 16, 2023, after she violently attacked me in the middle of the night,” he recounted. “Yemisi frequently slaps me and tears my clothes without provocation.”
He also presented torn clothes and a summons she had torn up and thrown at him as evidence.
In response to the accusations, Yemisi claimed Idowu abandoned her for another woman and acknowledged a midnight altercation in December.
“My mother-in-law escalated the situation by involving the police,” she added.
Court President Mrs. S.M. Akintayo concluded that no evidence of bride price payment existed, a requirement for a valid customary marriage in Nigeria, therefore declaring the marriage null and void.
Despite Idowu’s plea for dissolution, Akintayo awarded Yemisi custody of their three children, with shared responsibilities for their welfare, education, and other needs. She ordered Yemisi to allow Idowu access to the children and issued a restraining order against Yemisi from harassing or interfering in Idowu’s private life.
