Court dissolves 17 years marriage over fighting, threat to life

A customary court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has dissolved a 17-year-old marriage between Mr and Mrs Isaac Kehinde Ajayi, on the grounds of frequent fighting and threat to life. Mr Ajayi, the petitioner, had taken his wife, Oluwatoyin, to court for allegedly destroying property, fighting with him publicly; not giving him peace of mind and for […]

A customary court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has dissolved a 17-year-old marriage between Mr and Mrs Isaac Kehinde Ajayi, on the grounds of frequent fighting and threat to life.

Mr Ajayi, the petitioner, had taken his wife, Oluwatoyin, to court for allegedly destroying property, fighting with him publicly; not giving him peace of mind and for disrespecting his family members.

The 56-year-old petitioner said the respondent tried to prevent him from visiting an old friend by first removing the cap he wore that day, believing that she wanted to adjust for him but which she instead threw into her shop.   He added that she later poured water on him.

Isaac urged the court to separate them and for the respondent to return his property that she carted away.

Oluwatoyin, 41, denied the allegations but explained that “There is one unknown number that usually calls me to stay away from my husband or else…” That ‘or else’ is what I don’t understand. I became afraid, that was why I left the house. I did not pack any of his property. I have the receipts of my own property,” she said.

The president of the court, Mrs Olayinka Akomolede, said reconciliation has failed in the matter, as frequent fighting, nagging, threat to life and destruction of property were established.

Mrs Akomolede  pointed out that the petitioner pleaded various acts of cruelty meted on him by the respondent which he found to be intolerable like pouring water on him.

The court later dissolved the marriage and gave a 30 day right of appeal to any of the aggrieved parties.