Save me from my ill-tempered husband, woman appeals to court

A woman, Shakirat Oguntade, has prayed a customary court in Ibadan, Oyo State, to grant her a divorce from her estranged husband, Ganiu.

Shakirat told the court that, “My life took a turn for the worse since I moved in with Ganiu because of his temper. He is hot tempered and irresponsible.”

“My lord, Ganiu, who is a herbalist, has restricted me from having any friend in the neighbourhood for no reason.”

She further said, “He has sent six other wives packing. I am the seventh wife he has married. I have no child with Ganiu because he is always cursing me. Worse still, he gives me only N200 as daily feeding allowance. So, I basically live eating rice and beans that I sell.”

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The defendant was not in court to respond to the allegations.

The bailiff then tendered evidence of several hearing notices served on the defendant.

The President of the court, Mrs S. M. Akintayo, held that the union between Shakirat and Ganiu was invalid and could not be described as a marriage that conformed with native laws and customs.

She, therefore, held that, “There is no marriage to be dissolved between the petitioner and the respondent due to absence of payment of a bride price and proper handing over of the bride.

“Since Shakirat has indicated that she is no longer willing to continue with the cohabitation, she is free to go.

“Also, the respondent is restrained from harassing, threatening, disturbing and interfering with the private life of the petitioner.” (NAN)