A spare-part dealer, Olawale Idowu, on Friday, told the Mapo Grade A Customary Court in Ibadan to end his 13-year-old marriage to his estranged wife, Yemisi, on grounds of constant violence.

Mr Idowu, a resident of No. 25, Okeolode Aremo area of Ibadan, lamented that he regretted marrying her and that his wife “remained troublesome” despite his endurance in their marriage.

“In fact, I abandoned the house to her on December 16, 2023, when she violently attacked me at midnight; Yemisi slaps me and tears my clothes at will,” he said.

He said that when she was served a notice to appear before the court, she tore the summons and threw it at him. He tendered the torn clothes and summons as exhibits.

Responding to the allegations against her, Ms Yemisi stated that she was convinced her husband abandoned her for another wife.

“It is true that there was a midnight fight between both of us in December.

“Idowu’s mother was aware of all that took place; rather than resolve the matter amicably for us, she threatened to deal with me.

“My mother-in-law called in the police, and I was arrested,” Ms Yemisi said.

The court’s president, S.M. Akintayo, held that none of the evidence tendered before the court indicated the presentation of a bride price, which was essential in the validity of a lawful customary marriage in Nigeria.

Ms Akintayo said there was no marriage to be dissolved between Mr Idowu and Ms Yemisi because the same never existed in the first place.

Contrary to Mr Idowu’s prayers, the court president awarded custody of the three children in the union to Ms Yemisi.

She directed Ms Yemisi never to deny Mr Idowu access to the children and to be jointly responsible for their welfare, education, and other necessities.

Ms Akintayo ordered them to go their separate ways from now on.

She also granted the order restraining Ms Yemisi from threatening, harassing, disturbing and interfering in the private life of Mr Idowu henceforth.

(NAN)