By Precious Oloruntoba & Joshua Babatunde

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A Customary Court in Akure, Ondo State, has dismissed a child neglect suit filed by Mary Afolabi against her ex-husband, Olufemi Afolabi.

Mary had accused Olufemi of neglecting their three children and failing to provide adequately for their upkeep.

At the hearing, Mary informed the court that Olufemi was supposed to pay a monthly sum of N25,000 for the maintenance of their children.

She alleged that since 2022, Olufemi had stopped buying clothes and shoes for the children, a responsibility she said should rest with their father.

Mary, a teacher by profession, lamented that her salary was insufficient to cater for the needs of their children, aged 9, 7 and 5.

She emphasised that the children required considerable care and attention, which she could not provide singlehandedly.

Olufemi, however, denied the claims, insisting that he occasionally purchased clothes for the children.

He also accused Mary of restricting his access to the children.

He further explained that his lapses in monthly payments were due to the critical health condition of his father, who is battling heart disease and stroke.

Olufemi revealed that his father’s treatment costs about  N300,000 and that as the sole child, he bore the full responsibility of caring for him.

Despite these challenges, Olufemi pledged to improve his financial support, presenting N50,000 in court as part payment towards his arrears and promising to clear the balance soon.

Presiding Judge Aiti Falana admonished Mary, stressing that regardless of Olufemi’s shortcomings, she had no right to deny the children access to their father.

“He’s still their father, no matter what. I understand your feelings, but it is totally wrong,” she declared.

The court adjourned the case to June 25, 2025, urging both parties to put the welfare of the children above all else.