A Grade A Customary Court sitting in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, has brought an eight-year relationship between a couple, Ganiyu and Barakat, to an end following allegations of disobedience, neglect and irreconcilable differences.
The husband, Ganiyu, had approached the court seeking the dissolution of their union, accusing his wife of using his property to secure a bank loan without his knowledge or approval.
He also accused Barakat of neglecting him and their children, showing him little affection and repeatedly disrespecting him. According to him, she was fond of challenging his authority and turning domestic disagreements into quarrels.
Ganiyu further alleged that his wife was hostile towards members of his family, whom he claimed she often treated with disrespect whenever they visited their home. He also expressed doubts about the paternity of her pregnancy, saying the relationship had become unbearable.
Recounting his experience before the court, the plaintiff said he met Barakat in 2015, after which she moved into his home following an introduction ceremony. He admitted that he did not pay her bride price but said he had initially hoped to build a successful marriage with her.
He told the court that his wife's alleged use of his property to obtain a bank loan without his consent was the final straw, adding that he no longer felt secure in the relationship. He consequently sought an order restraining her from threatening him and interfering with his privacy.
Barakat initially appeared before the court and denied the accusations, insisting that the marriage should not be dissolved. However, she failed to attend subsequent proceedings despite several adjournments, prompting the court to close her defence.
In her judgment, the court president, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, held that there was no valid customary marriage to dissolve because the required bride price had not been paid. She, however, directed both parties to maintain peace and refrain from actions capable of breaching public order.
