A courtroom in Akure was thrown into drama earlier this week when Mrs. Folakemi Adebayo accused her ex-husband, Mr. Emmanuel Oyebanji, of secretly marrying the lawyer who handled their divorce proceedings.
During a session at the Akure Customary Court, Folakemi stormed in visibly emotional and in tears, alleging that the female lawyer colluded with her former husband to manipulate the divorce process.
“She ruined my settlement! I trusted her to be neutral, not to be sleeping with my husband!” she cried, claiming the affair began while the divorce was still in progress.
She further alleged that the lawyer used her professional role to influence the settlement in her own favour.
Folakemi pleaded with the court to reopen the case and probe the lawyer for misconduct and unethical behavior.
Responding to the claims, Emmanuel denied all allegations, insisting that his ex-wife had abandoned their marriage barely a year in and had severed communication.
He explained that his relationship with the lawyer only began after the divorce was finalized.
“She left me and the marriage. I only found solace in someone who understood what I had been through,” he said.
The accused lawyer, who was present in court, also denied any inappropriate relationship during the legal proceedings, describing her interactions with Emmanuel as strictly professional.
“I am not guilty of any misconduct. My dealings with Mr. Emmanuel were entirely within the bounds of my professional duties,” she stated, while the courtroom buzzed with murmurs.
After hearing all sides, the Presiding Judge, Ireti Sunday, dismissed the case, citing lack of evidence.
“This court cannot act on suspicion alone. There is no proof of conspiracy or unethical conduct during the divorce process,” the judge ruled.
Mrs. Adebayo left the courtroom visibly upset, while Emmanuel and the lawyer exited silently, avoiding comments to the press.