An Ibadan-based prophetess, Idowu, has asked a Grade A Customary Court sitting in Mapo, Oyo State, to dissolve her marriage to her husband, Aaron, citing alleged domestic abuse, neglect, threats to her life and lack of financial support.
As reported by Tribune, the petitioner told the court that her marriage had been devoid of love and affection, alleging that her husband regularly assaulted her, threatened her with a knife and failed to provide for her and their four children, who are two sets of twins.
According to Idowu, Aaron neglected his responsibilities as a husband and father, leaving her to shoulder the burden of caring for the family.
She claimed that she solely financed the education of their first set of twins, including their WASSCE and JAMB examinations, and that he had refused to contribute towards their tertiary education despite their admission into higher institutions.
She further alleged that concerns over her safety forced her to leave the matrimonial home with the children, adding that Aaron had not provided any financial assistance for their upkeep since then.
The petitioner therefore urged the court to grant her custody of the four children, compel her husband to contribute to their maintenance and restrain him from harassing or threatening her.
Speaking before the court, Idowu alleged that persistent abuse and threats to her life convinced her that remaining in the marriage posed a danger to her wellbeing.
In his response, Aaron agreed that the marriage should be dissolved but opposed his wife’s request for sole custody of the first set of twins.
He told the court that during a previous disagreement, Idowu informed him that the younger set of twins were not his biological children, prompting him to question their paternity.
Aaron also accused his wife of failing to properly discipline the children, claiming that one of the younger twins was involved in a theft incident at school, which he said brought embarrassment to the family.
The respondent, however, expressed willingness to support the children financially and proposed a monthly feeding allowance of N50,000.
He further accused Idowu of denying him access to the children and influencing them against him.
Aaron asked the court to grant him regular visitation rights, including weekend access to the children.
After listening to both parties, the President of the court, Mrs S. M. Akintayo, adjourned the matter until August 2 for judgment.