Cleric David Odeniyi approached the Mapo Grade ‘A’ Customary Court in Ibadan seeking the dissolution of his marriage to Bolanle, citing domestic violence and public humiliation in church as reasons.
Odeniyi, residing in Basorun, Ibadan, accused his wife of being ill-tempered, recounting instances where she embarrassed him, including pulling and dragging his trousers to disgrace him publicly. He expressed regret over marrying her, especially after she abandoned him and their child to travel to Libya without his consent for two years.
The pastor further lamented that Bolanle stripped him naked in front of his congregation and exposed secrets about him. He also alleged that she prevented visitors from seeing him, poisoned his food, and physically assaulted him, including kicking him in the stomach.
Despite previously attempting reconciliation through a Grade ‘C’ Customary Court in Gate area, Ibadan, Odeniyi claimed his wife did not change her behavior.
Bolanle failed to appear in court to defend herself, despite being present to hear her husband’s testimony and receiving multiple hearing notices from the bailiff.
In her judgment, President Mrs. S.M. Akintayo acknowledged the existence of a valid customary marriage between Odeniyi and Bolanle. She emphasized the importance of uncontroverted evidence, especially in the absence of the respondent. The court granted Odeniyi’s request for the dissolution of the marriage and issued an order restraining Bolanle from threatening or interfering in his private life.
