Husband is a Figurehead, I Provide for Our Five Children, Pay School Fees - Wife Tells Oyo Court

A woman named Abiodun has brought a case before the Grade A Customary Court in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, requesting an end to her marriage with Damilola. She cited irresponsibility, a troublesome disposition, and physical assault as grounds for the divorce.

Abiodun asserted that Damilola functions merely as a figurehead within their household, rather than fulfilling his role as a husband. She contended that despite Damilola’s claims of leadership, he consistently shirked his duties and responsibilities towards her and their five children, transferring the burden to her.

She informed the court that she is the one responsible for feeding the family and covering their children's school expenses. The plaintiff further stated that her husband's troublesome behaviour prevented her from finding peace, despite the heavy load of domestic responsibilities she carried.

According to Abiodun, the recompense she received for her loyalty and dedication to their family was frequent physical abuse, occurring almost daily. She expressed a desire to move forward with her life and therefore pleaded with the court to dissolve their union.

Additionally, she requested custody of their five children, while also seeking a court order for her husband to contribute to their upkeep, specifically concerning their feeding, education, and healthcare.

Damilola, in his defence, consented to the dissolution of the marriage.

"My husband did not pay my bride price. We started living together shortly after we met," Abiodun stated.

"He is irresponsible and a figurehead. He always neglected me and our five children and cared less if we starved.

"He made me labour under the weight of his responsibility, which he passed to me.

"I work hard all day in order that there would be food on the table. The payment of our children’s school fees automatically became my duty.

"My husband, despite my sacrifices in keeping the home going, refused that I had respite.

He was troublesome and was always on my nerves.

He never ceased to beat me. He finally threw me out of the house in August last year.

"My lord, I want to pick up the pieces of my life. I, therefore, plead that the court dissolve our union.

"I also entreat the court for our children’s custody so that I can give them adequate attention.

"I, in addition, implore the court to rule that my husband be responsible for their feeding and education. I further request an order restraining him from encroaching on my privacy."

The court president, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, adjourned the case until April 20 for the defence to present their side.