A cattle dealer, Yusuf Oladunni, has prayed the Mapo Grade ‘A’ Customary Court, Ibadan, to end his 11-year-old marital union with Rukayat, alleging she frequently destroys his appliances in rage.

Mr Oladunni, a resident of the Ayetoro-Muslim area, Ibadan, told the court on Friday that although she had left his home for about a year, she was still troublesome.

According to him, she still comes to fight him at his workplace, thus causing him embarrassment.

The petitioner noted that Ms Rukayat moved in with him immediately after she got pregnant without him paying the bridal price. 

“My lord, I’m completely frustrated with Rukayat’s unrepentant troublemaking with me and the neighbours around us.

“My attempt to correct her usually leaves me with bitter memories because she will insult and destroy whatever she lays her hand on. Besides, Rukayat treats my relatives with disdain and hostility.

“Worst still, she has threatened to malign my name in the community,” Mr Oladunni said.

The petitioner urged the court to grant him custody of the three children of the union.

Ms Rukayat, a petty trader and a resident of the Olunde-Muslim area, Ibadan, consented to the divorce suit by not denying any of the allegations against her.

She, however, pleaded with the court to award her custody of the children and compel Mr Oladunni to pay N40,000 for the children’s monthly upkeep.

The court’s president, S. M. Akintayo, held there was nothing to dissolve between the two since there was no form of bridal price payment.

She said the payment of the bride price was a major requirement for a valid customary marriage according to Nigerian laws.

Ms Akintayo said the evidence given by the duo indicated they were merely cohabitating.

She, however, granted custody of the three children to Ms Rukayat because they were still minors and required their mother’s affection.

Ms Akintayo directed Mr Oladunni to pay N20,000 monthly for the children’s feeding allowance and take up other welfare and educational responsibilities.

She, however, ordered Ms Rukayat to allow Mr Oladunni reasonable access to the children anytime he desired to see them.

Ms Akintayo also gave an order restraining Ms Rukayat from harassing, threatening, disturbing and interfering with the petitioner. 

(NAN)