A 32-year-old trader, Oluwatoyin Ibikunle, has urged an Akure Customary Court to dissolve her 15-year-old marriage, alleging constant physical abuse and threats from her husband, Ayodeji, a 40-year-old vulcanizer.
Oluwatoyin, a mother of three from Ibadan, told the court that her husband had turned her into a punching bag. “He’s irresponsible and keeps threatening my life. I can’t take it anymore,” she said, revealing that Ayodeji had also embarrassed and harassed her multiple times.
According to her, Ayodeji once asked her to leave their home under the guise of renovating it, but she believes it was a ploy to further humiliate her. “I moved out deliberately because I couldn’t endure his beatings anymore. My father-in-law even advised me to quit the marriage because of the suffering I’m facing,” she added.
In a shocking twist, Oluwatoyin claimed her father-in-law once proposed to her, offering ₦50,000 in exchange for an affair. The petitioner said her husband neglects their children’s welfare, leaving her to shoulder all responsibilities.
“The love is gone. I want custody of my children to give them a proper upbringing,” she pleaded. Ayodeji, however, denied the allegations, branding his wife wayward and accusing her of prioritising her business and relationships over their family.
“She left our home and rented an apartment. I tried to reconcile, but she refused unless I refunded her landlord’s payment. I managed to pay ₦15,000 out of the ₦20,000 she requested, but she still refused to return. I can’t live without her,” Ayodeji lamented.
He accused Oluwatoyin of abandoning their children’s welfare, saying, “All she cares about is her business and her relationships with other men.” The court’s president, Magistrate Abiodun Obademi, urged the couple to reconsider their decision for the sake of their children, emphasising the need for peace. The case was adjourned to January 28, 2024, for further hearing.
