An Ibadan-based building contractor, Mr Sunday Moradeyo, has secured the dissolution of his 15-year-old marriage to his estranged wife, Adenike, after a customary court ruled that the relationship had broken down irretrievably.
Moradeyo had approached the Mapo Grade A Customary Court in Ibadan seeking an end to the marriage, accusing his wife of being irresponsible, failing to contribute to the care of their two children and neglecting her responsibilities within the home.
During proceedings, the petitioner told the court that he had experienced persistent difficulties in the marriage since his wife moved in with him in 2015, claiming that her alleged lack of commitment had caused repeated disagreements between them.
“Since Adenike moved in with me in 2015, she has not displayed any sense of responsibility in our relationship, including caring for our two children,” Moradeyo said.
He further alleged that despite his demanding schedule as a contractor, he was often left to handle household duties, including bathing, cooking and taking care of their children.
“Despite my busy schedule as a contractor, I am usually forced to bathe, cook and care for the children because Adenike will not,” he told the court.
Moradeyo also accused his wife of being troublesome and disrespectful towards his relatives, adding that her attitude had contributed to frequent disagreements in the marriage.
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The respondent, however, was not present during the court proceedings and did not present any defence against the allegations.
The court bailiff informed the court that several hearing notices had been served on Adenike, but she failed to appear to defend herself.
Delivering judgement, the President of the court, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, held that the marriage had lost its foundation and could no longer continue, noting that there was no longer affection between the couple.
“In the interest of peaceful coexistence, the marriage between the petitioner and the respondent is hereby dissolved,” the court ruled.
The court granted custody of the couple’s two children, aged nine and six, to Moradeyo and restrained Adenike from threatening, harassing, disturbing or interfering with the private life of the petitioner.
Customary courts in Nigeria, including the Mapo Grade A Customary Court, handle family-related disputes such as dissolution of marriages conducted under customary law, child custody matters and other domestic issues.
Under Nigerian family law principles, courts may dissolve a marriage where evidence shows that the relationship has broken down beyond reconciliation, while also considering the welfare and best interests of children involved.
The court’s decision brings an end to the 15-year union, with custody arrangements and restrictions on contact forming part of the final order issued to both parties.
