My mother-in-law slapped me, divorce-seeking husband tells court

A security personnel, Mr Sunday Abiodun, yesterday dragged his wife, Funmito, before a grade C customary court sitting in Ile-Tuntun, Ibadan, praying for divorce on grounds of arrogance and adultery. Abiodun also said his mother-in-law slapped him on accusation that he had destroyed the life of her daughter and maliciously dented her image. According to […]

A security personnel, Mr Sunday Abiodun, yesterday dragged his wife, Funmito, before a grade C customary court sitting in Ile-Tuntun, Ibadan, praying for divorce on grounds of arrogance and adultery.

Abiodun also said his mother-in-law slapped him on accusation that he had destroyed the life of her daughter and maliciously dented her image.

According to the petitioner, despite his efforts investing huge resources on Funmito’s business, she never respected his views on issues.

He said, “After I had endured her arrogance for over four years, I noticed that Funmito had started taking some of her clothings and shoes out of the house. One day, I pleaded with her to have a rethink and allow us resolve the problem between us, but she adamantly disagreed.

“Then she told me I had become a complete bore to her. She said I should not have any further attempt to have sexual intercourse with her. She said I could womanise outside to satisfy myself, but I should ensure she doesn’t know the lady.

“When I wanted to confirm if Funmito truly meant it, I wooed three of her apprentices. One of them reported me to her and she came home to fight me. I invited our pastors to intervene but she declared that the matter could not be resolved.

“When I informed her mother about everything that transpired between us, my mother-in-law gave me three dirty slaps. She said she had heard about the issue and I had dented her daughter’s image by informing our pastor about it.”

Funmito objected the divorce suit. She denied most of the allegations levelled against her, but admitted it was true her mother slapped her husband because he assaulted her.

The respondent argued that her husband was unfaithful to her by sleeping with four of her apprentices, and usually turned her to a punching bag.

Funmito pleaded, “I prayed this court not to dissolve our union because of this minor disagreement, and for the sake of our children.”

The president of the court, Chief Henry Agbaje, dismissed the petition for lack of jurisdiction, explaining it was only the state High Court that could dissolve any union that had a legal backing.