Court dissolves 18-yr-old marriage in Abeokuta over threat to life

An Abeokuta Customary Court sitting in Ake  on Wednesday dissolved the  18- year old  marriage between one Basirat Adeniji and her husband, Jamiu, on grounds of frequent fighting and threat to life.

Basirat,  a 37-year-old business woman, had approached the court claiming  that the relationship had broken down irretrievably due to her husband’s irresponsibility,  frequent fighting and threat to life.

The petitioner, who  said the union was blessed  with three children aged 15, 13 and seven years, also disclosed  that inspite  of two hearing notices served on  Jamiu, he had shunned the court.

“ He said he is not coming to court  and that I should go ahead and do whatever I want.

“Already, two of the children are with him and one is with me, though I still practically take care of them as the two with him still come and collect  money from me to feed.

“ He does not behave like a responsible man and he is always quick to pick up a fight.

“ When I  saw that the violence  was getting too much,  I had  to pack out of   his house before he  kills me

“ I have reported him to his family to caution him but all efforts  proved abortive, although my father-in-law is exceptional, very tolerant and understanding.

“ I will not lie against the old man as  he did all he could  to resolve  the matter. I plead with the  court to please help me dissolve this marriage so that I can have peace,’’  she said

The President of the court,  Mr Olalekan Akande,  ordered  the dissolution of the marriage, saying there was no more love between the couple.

“There is no need wasting time because it  is  clear that Jamiu has  no regards for this court by not appearing,” he said.

He ordered that the school fees as well as  welfare and health needs of the children  should be the  joint responsibility  of both parties.

Akande added that the children are grown up  and should  decide who to live with.

He also ordered that the dissolution certificate  be served on  Jamiu while he should stay away from the plaintiff’s  place of trade.  (NAN)