A Grade A Customary Court, Court 2, has granted a divorce to a couple, Gbolagade and Omodunke, due to intolerable behaviour exhibited by the wife. Gbolagade claimed that his wife's behaviour changed after he failed to renew his visa to Dubai, leading to a decline in his financial situation. He stated that Omodunke became defiant, hostile, and a threat to his life.
Gbolagade explained that their home was once joyous, and their relationship was blissful when he was working in Dubai and providing for his family. He enrolled their children in a good school and ensured they were fed a balanced diet. However, after his visa expired, and he couldn't renew it, their relationship fell apart. Gbolagade added that Omodunke became unreasonable, rude, and even attempted to murder him by drinking snipper.
Omodunke, however, refused that their marriage be dissolved, stating that she had remained supportive of her husband during their financial crisis. She claimed that she sold her piece of land to pay one of their children's tuition fees in a tertiary institution. Omodunke accused her husband of dragging her to court because he planned to take a new wife and requested that their children be placed in her custody.
The court president, Mrs O.E Owoseni, heard both parties and stated that they had a valid and subsisting customary marriage. Owoseni noted that Gbolagade claimed Omodunke exhibited intolerable behaviour, which she did not challenge. The court dissolved their union and ordered Gbolagade to be responsible for their second child's education, while the first child was old enough to decide where to stay.
Gbolagade had prayed the court to end their relationship, citing his wife's misbehaviour, and requested custody of their children. He also asked for an order restricting Omodunke from threatening and encroaching on his privacy. Omodunke had pleaded with the court to spare their marriage, claiming that her husband was behind the divorce proceedings to marry another woman.
The court case highlights the challenges faced by couples in Nigeria, particularly in managing financial stress and its impact on relationships. The case also underscores the importance of communication and mutual support in marriages. The court's decision was based on the evidence presented by both parties.
The divorce case was widely reported in the Nigerian media, with many outlets covering the story. The case serves as a reminder of the need for couples to seek help and support when faced with challenges in their relationships. The court's decision has brought an end to the couple's marriage, and both parties will have to move forward with their lives.
Key points
- The court cited intolerable behaviour exhibited by the wife as the reason for the divorce.
- The husband claimed that his wife's behaviour changed after he failed to renew his visa to Dubai.
- The court ordered the husband to be responsible for their second child's education.
