Husband claims wife refused to cook despite N2,000 bride price, brings wife to court over alleged irresponsibility

A man identified as Ayinla has brought his wife, Mosunmola, before the Grade A Customary Court in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, complaining that she stopped cooking for him despite his payment of N2,000 as her bride price. He described his wife as talkative and someone who neglected his well-being.

Mosunmola, however, initiated the legal action against Ayinla, accusing him of leading an irresponsible lifestyle and showing no concern for her and their children's welfare. She detailed how he would often return home late at night, long after she and the children had retired for the night.

The plaintiff shared that their union, which lasted eight years, was marked by frequent disputes and separations. She stated that the constant strain eventually led to her decision to leave the marriage.

Consequently, Mosunmola requested the court to grant her custody of their children and to ensure Ayinla provides for their upbringing and education.

In his defence, Ayinla agreed to the dissolution of the marriage, echoing the complaint that Mosunmola had ceased cooking for him and had not looked after his needs. He also characterized her as a talkative individual whose behaviour he found unbearable.

Ayinla further alleged that Mosunmola lacked morals and set a poor example for their children. He stated that she would instruct him to give money to the children to prepare his meals instead of cooking for him herself.

He also complained that his wife was excessively talkative, a trait he disliked, and that she sometimes made inappropriate comments that led to trouble.

Mosunmola, in her testimony, confirmed that she and her husband never got along, which prompted her departure. She claimed that Ayinla neither paid her bride price nor completed the necessary traditional marriage rites.

She added that during their eight years together, they made no significant progress as a couple and acquired no joint property. She reiterated that her husband was indifferent to her welfare and their children's needs, often being absent and returning home late.

Mosunmola asserted that she was solely responsible for the children's needs, including their feeding and schooling. She mentioned that their marriage involved physical altercations and that they had lived separately on multiple occasions, but she had always hoped for his change in behaviour, which unfortunately worsened.

She concluded by requesting the court to grant her custody of the children and to order her husband to be responsible for their feeding and education.

In his response, Ayinla stated, "My wife is a liar. I paid N2,000 as her bride price." He also claimed that his wife refused to cook for him, but Mosunmola countered by saying, "My husband and I never got along throughout the time we were together, which led to my decision to leave."

The court president, Mrs S.M Akintayo, subsequently adjourned the proceedings for judgment.