CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A housewife, Kemi Lawrence, has file a suit before Mapo Customary Court seeking for the dissolution of her 10-year old marriage to her husband, Gbenga Lawrence, for turning their matrimonial home into a boxing arena in Ibadan, Oyo State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the embittered woman pleaded with the Court to dissolve their marriage as it has collapsed because her embattled husband, Gbenga, was irresponsible and always fighting her to the extent that their matrimonial home was turned into a boxing arena over his constant beating.
An embattled Kemi explained that Gbenga does not perform his responsibilities towards her as his wife and their children. He refused to change and whenever she draws his attention to that, it usually resulted in a brawl between them.
She informed the Court that both her family and that of her husband were tired of mediating in their differences and gave their full support to her decision to end their marriage.
She pleaded with the Court to grant her custody of their children while the defendant could visit them at will and make her husband responsible for their children’s needs.
“My husband and I have been married for 10 years, which I refer to as years of horror. The greatest mistake I ever made in life was going into wedlock with my husband. Our marriage has almost marred my life which was my reason for coming to Court today. I have enjoyed no peace since I got married to my husband. Gbenga is a devil in disguise. My husband daily starves me and our children. He is indifferent to our welfare and constantly shirks his responsibility towards us.”
“He doesn’t know how our children and I survive each day, while their education has never been his priority. I tolerated his atrocities for long, but rebelled when I could not bear with his ruthless lifestyle any longer. This resulted in the regular scuffle in our marriage. The more I complained of his shortcomings the more he beats me.”
“I reported to his parents and mine, and they counseled him, but he turned a deaf ear to their words of admonition. Our home has now become a boxing arena and it is therefore, always noisy. My lord, I am tired of being deprived of necessities of life my husband. Our regular fight on the other hand is taking its toll on my health.”
“I believe I will fare better without my husband, which is the reason for my prayer of divorce. Our family members are in support of my decision to end our marriage because they no longer see any future in it. I therefore, entreat this Honourable Court to hear my prayer and grant me custody of our children. He can have access to them whenever he desires to. My lord, I beg that you enforce it that my husband be responsible for our children’s welfare” she submitted.
However, in response, Gbenga denied all the allegations brought against him.
The President of the Court, Mrs. S. M. Akintayo, adjourned the matter till 26th April, 2023, for continuation of hearing.