Man Pleads with Oyo Court to End Marriage, Alleging Wife's Attempt to Burn Him Alive
A man identified as Lukman has urgently appealed to the Grade A Customary Court in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, to dissolve his marriage to his wife, Aderonke. In a dramatic testimony, Lukman cited severe grounds including constant fights, infidelity, and a life-threatening incident where he claims his wife set their home on fire with the intent to roast him alive.
Allegations of Violence and Destruction
Lukman detailed a pattern of disruptive behavior from Aderonke since their cohabitation began. He asserted that peace has been elusive due to her troublesome and destructive nature. According to his account, Aderonke frequently instigated physical altercations, often escalating trivial matters into violent confrontations.
Specific instances of property damage were highlighted:
- She allegedly used a pestle to break the door of their house and shatter louvre blades on windows during one heated argument.
- In a more alarming claim, Lukman stated that Aderonke set a part of their residence ablaze. He reported that instead of expressing remorse, she bragged that her goal was to burn him alive along with the house.
Escalation to Business and Alleged Immorality
The hostility reportedly extended beyond their home. Lukman accused Aderonke of bringing soldiers to his shop, where they attacked him, ransacked the premises, and confiscated his stock, turning him into a subject of ridicule. He further alleged that she later engaged in promiscuous behavior, being regularly seen with other men, which eroded his trust entirely.
"My wife has made life difficult for me, and I no longer wish to continue in this marriage," Lukman told the court, emphasizing the harm he has endured.
Legal Requests and Counterclaims
Lukman implored the court for several orders:
- Dissolution of their union due to irreconcilable differences.
- Eviction of Aderonke from a two-bedroom flat he claims is solely his property.
- Access to their children on weekends and during holidays, as they are currently in her custody.
- A restraining order to prevent Aderonke from threatening or interfering with his private life.
In response, Aderonke vehemently denied all allegations. She refused the dissolution, expressing continued love for her husband and blaming her mother-in-law for the marital crisis. She countered that she owns the land on which the house was built, having included Lukman's name on the document out of respect. Aderonke demanded N150,000 monthly for child maintenance.
Court's Judgment and Rulings
Presiding judge Mrs. O.E. Owoseni noted that the couple was never formally married, as no bride price was paid, and they were merely cohabiting. Given Lukman's expressed disinterest in the relationship and evidence of threats to his life, the court ordered both parties to separate to prevent further disorder.
Key rulings included:
- Granting Lukman's request for a restraining order against Aderonke to stop harassment and threats.
- Dismissing his claim to the two-bedroom apartment, as the court deemed the land jointly owned since Lukman did not challenge Aderonke's ownership claim during cross-examination.
- Mandating Lukman to provide N60,000 monthly for food and be responsible for the children's education, with reasonable access granted upon prior notice to Aderonke.
This case underscores the complexities of domestic disputes in customary settings, highlighting issues of cohabitation, property rights, and child welfare in Nigerian family law.
