CHUKA UBAH
A housewife, Mrs. Dotun, has filed a suit against her husband, Waheed, at the Grade A Customary Court sitting in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, seeking for dissolution of their marriage over alleged battering by husband.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the embittered mother of five children claimed that she feeds and clothes her husband but what she received in return were beatings.
She told the Court that she was no longer interested in the marriage because of irresponsibility, neglect, and constant battering by her husband.
An embattled Dotun also told the Court that Waheed neglected his responsibilities towards her and their children and failed to provide for their welfare.
She also told the court that she had been solely responsible for feeding and clothing of the family and paying their children’s school fees without any assistance from her husband.
She stated that rather than appreciating her efforts in shouldering both her duties and those of her husband, Waheed frequently assaulted her whenever misunderstandings arose between them.
Dotun also claimed that late last year, the husband brutally beat her and subsequently threw her belongings out of their home.
She further stated that since the incident, Waheed had continued to harass and threaten her. She therefore, asked the court to grant her custody of their children and order Waheed to contribute to their upkeep, particularly in the areas of feeding, education, and healthcare.
The plaintiff requested a restraining order to prevent her husband from interfering with her private life.
Whille testifying before the court, she stated:
“My husband and I began living together shortly after we met. We did not perform any marriage rites, and neither was my bride price paid,” she said.
“Our relationship is blessed with five children. From the onset of our union, my husband showed signs of irresponsibility. He refused to perform his duties as the family’s breadwinner and shifted most of his responsibilities to me.”
“Whenever our children requested anything from him, he always directed them back to me. I worked tirelessly to ensure there was always food at home so my family would not go hungry.”
“I clothed my husband and our children, and he felt comfortable with it. My husband also showed no concern for our children’s education. I was the one who enrolled them in school and paid their school fees.”
“Despite all my sacrifices to save him from disgrace, my husband never appreciated my efforts. Instead, he assaults me whenever we had disagreements, and often beat me severely.“
“The last time we fought, he mercilessly beat me simply because I challenged him to take responsibility for his family.
After assaulting me, he threw my belongings out of the house.“
“Since sending me out, he has continued to harass and threaten me. I therefore, plead with the court to dissolve our relationship.
I also ask the court to grant me custody of our children because he lacks the ability to care for them.”
“Furthermore, I request an order restraining him from threatening me or interfering with my privacy.”
After listening to the plaintiff’s testimony, the court president, Mrs. S.M. Akintayo, adjourned the case for defence.
However, the husband agreed that the marriage should be dissolved before he will present his defence in the next adjourned date.