A cleric, David Odeniyi, has asked a Mapo Grade ‘A’ Customary Court in Ibadan to dissolve his union with his estranged wife, Bolanle, on the grounds of domestic violence and constant embarrassment in church.
Recounting his ordeal before the court, Odeniyi, who resides in the Basorun area of Ibadan, accused his wife of being ill-tempered.
”She pulls and drags my trousers in order to disgrace me.
”Had I known that my wife would treat me like this, I would never have married her.
“Bolanle abandoned me with our only child and travelled to Libya.
”She’s been there for two years without my approval.
“In fact, she stripped me naked in front of my congregation and maliciously exposed the secret I kept with her.
“Worst still, Bolanle usually prevent visitors from seeing me, poisoned my food and kicked me in the stomach,” Pastor Odeniyi said.
He noted that he once filed a divorce suit against her at a Grade ‘C Customary Court at Gate area in Ibadan, but the court reconciled them then.
He contended that the respondent refused to turn a new leaf.
However, Bolanle was not in court when she was called to open her defense despite being around to witness her husband’s testimony.
The bailiff also said that he served her several hearing notices and that she chose to ignore further appearance.
Delivering judgment, the court’s President, Mrs S.M. Akintayo said that Odeniyi was no longer interested in the marriage though there was a valid customary marriage between him and Bolanle from the evidence before the court.
Akintayo added that the court admits any piece of uncontroverted evidence especially as the respondent failed to appear in court.
She granted the order restraining Bolanle from threatening, harassing, disturbing and interfering in the private life of Pastor Odeniyi.
