A Grade ‘A’ Customary Court in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State on Wednesday ended the 15 year-old union between Olubunmi Ejiwole and her estranged husband, Sunday on grounds of alleged domestic violence.
Delivering judgment, the court’s president, Mrs S.M. Akintayo held that there was no marriage to be dissolved between Ejiwole and Sunday in the first place because no bride price was paid on the petitioner.
Citing various portions of the law to support her judgment, Akintayo held that for any union to be considered as a valid marriage, there must be presentation of bride price, consent of the bride’s parents and presentation of gifts.
“In the evidence given by the petitioner, she conceded to the fact that the respondent brought the bride price, but that her parents returned it,” Akintayo stated.
The president of the court then granted the order restraining Sunday from threatening, disturbing and interfering with Ejiwole’s personal life.
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She also ordered the respondent to take custody of the three children in addition to being jointly responsible for their education, feeding and other welfare.
Earlier, Ejiwole who is a cleaner, said that she decided to call it quits with Sunday because he beats her.
Ejiwole, who resides in Igbo Oloyin-Ojo’o area of Ibadan, explained that her husband had for many years stopped showing her love.
“My lord, Sunday and I have been living under the same roof like cats and rats on account of his lack of love for me.
“He does not overlook my mistakes. He beats me at the slightest opportunity.
“He no longer wants to see me and does not love me anymore.
“In fact, Sunday abandoned the three children to me as I’ve been left to solely cater for them.
“I have since remarried and I cannot afford to further take custody of the children,” Ejiwole said.
However, Sunday was not in court when he was called to open his defence.
Sunday had made an appearance at the first sitting of the matter, but stopped coming when he was to begin his defence.
