A man, Jameed, has dragged his wife, Tawakalitu, before Grade A Customary Court sitting in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, seeking the dissolution of their marriage over allegations of infidelity, physical assault, neglect, and destructive behaviour.
Allegations of Neglect and Infidelity
Jameed testified that his wife had no regard for him and habitually left their home without his consent, sometimes staying away for as long as a week without disclosing her whereabouts. He further claimed that Tawakalitu engaged in extramarital affairs and openly spoke with her alleged lovers on the phone in his presence, showing no concern for his feelings.
The plaintiff stated that the defendant lived an extravagant lifestyle while neglecting her responsibilities at home. He recounted an instance when she spent their children’s school fees on frivolous expenses. Jameed also alleged that she constantly left their home dirty and untidy, making it uncomfortable for the family.
According to Jameed, despite giving his wife N60,000 every month for food, she prepared only one meal a day, leaving him and their children hungry on several occasions. He described her cooking as poor. “Despite giving her N60,000 every month for food, she neglected and starved our children. She cooked only once a day and was a very poor cook,” he told the court.
Physical Assault and Property Destruction
Jameed revealed that his wife also repeatedly assaulted him whenever he confronted her about her conduct. He claimed she once struck him in the face with the heel of her shoe, leaving a permanent scar. “On one occasion, she hit me in the face with the heel of her shoe, leaving me with a scar,” he said.
The plaintiff further alleged that Tawakalitu later resorted to destroying his property. After he sent her out of their home and remarried, she allegedly continued visiting his house and office to attack him and vandalise his belongings.
Jameed also made a shocking allegation regarding their 15-year-old daughter. He claimed that Tawakalitu told the girl that she was “ripe enough” to start sleeping with men, adding that the daughter reported the conversation to him. “Our 15-year-old daughter later told me that her mother said she was ripe enough to sleep with men,” Jameed testified.
Court Proceedings and Outcome
Jameed urged the court to dissolve the marriage, grant him custody of their children, and restrain the defendant from threatening him or interfering with his privacy. He told the court that he married Tawakalitu under native law and custom, paying a bride price of N5,000. “My marriage failed because she is irresponsible and lacks virtues,” he said.
Tawakalitu was absent in court despite reportedly being served with court summons. After listening to the plaintiff’s testimony, the court president, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, adjourned the case. The court will reconvene at a later date to deliver its judgment.
