Ondo court dissolves 12-year marriage over domestic violence
An Akure Customary Court in Ondo State has dissolved a 12-year marriage between Moradeke Babalola and her husband, Temitope Babalola, citing domestic violence and the irretrievable breakdown of the union. Moradeke, who filed the petition, told the court that she married the respondent in December 2013 under Yoruba Native Law and Custom after all customary […]
An Akure Customary Court in Ondo State has dissolved a 12-year marriage between Moradeke Babalola and her husband, Temitope Babalola, citing domestic violence and the irretrievable breakdown of the union.
Moradeke, who filed the petition, told the court that she married the respondent in December 2013 under Yoruba Native Law and Custom after all customary requirements were fulfilled.
She testified that although they dated for about a year before marriage, her husband’s attitude changed after the wedding, leading to repeated incidents of domestic violence.
According to her, the abuse became unbearable, forcing her to leave the matrimonial home in June 2025.
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She presented photographs from their traditional wedding ceremony and images of injuries she alleged were inflicted by her husband.
The court noted that despite several adjournments, the respondent, his lawyer, and members of his family repeatedly failed to appear to defend the case.
Delivering judgment, the President of the court, A.S. Obademi, held that the respondent had been given ample opportunity to be heard but failed to take advantage of it.
Relying on the legal principle established in Newswatch Communications Ltd. v. Attah (2006) 12 NWLR (Pt. 993) 144, Obademi stated that a court cannot be blamed when a party neglects to utilise the opportunity for a fair hearing.
The court found that the petitioner had proved her allegations of domestic violence and that efforts by both families to reconcile the couple had failed.
Obademi further observed that the couple had long ceased living together and had no children from the marriage.
He said the respondent’s continued absence and apparent disinterest in the proceedings underscored the fact that the marriage had broken down beyond repair.
Consequently, the court dissolved the marriage, emphasising that the decision was necessary to safeguard lives and prevent either party from remaining in an abusive and unwanted relationship.