My husband is irresponsible, neglects our only child- Woman tells court

By Bamidele Kolawole
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A 35-year old hairdresser, Omowunmi Adejugbe, on Thursday pleaded with an Akure Customary Court sitting in Oke-Eda, to dissolve her 13-year old marriage due to her husband’s failure to care for their only child.
Omowunmi, a mother of one who resides in Oba-Ile, Akure, Ondo State, described her husband, Dipo Adebayo, as irresponsible.
She said, “My husband is irresponsible; he has neglected his responsibilities. I am no longer interested in the marriage.
“He called my mother to come and pack my belongings from his house, threatening that I would face the consequences if she didn’t come.”
The petitioner stated that her husband was not providing proper care for her or their son, Ayobami Adebayo.
Omowunmi pleaded with the court to dissolve their marriage, saying, “I am no longer interested in the union. The love I once had for him has faded.
“I also want custody of our son to ensure he is raised properly. My husband should remain responsible for his feeding and education.”
She told the court that she had moved out of their matrimonial home due to her husband’s attitude towards her and her child.
Adebayo, a 42-year old musician, denied the allegations and described his wife as wayward.
He said, “My wife is not submissive and she is wayward. She is not a good wife.
“She enjoys doing things I dislike and moved out of our house six years ago.”
The respondent also accused his wife of infidelity, claiming she travelled to Libya without his consent.
The court’s President, Mrs Titilope Falana, admonished the estranged couple, telling them they did not prioritise their child’s welfare.
She said: “If care is not taken, you will ruin the life of the child and turn him into a societal nuisance.”
She ordered the respondent to pay N20,000 monthly for the child’s welfare pending the final judgement and adjourned the matter to February 17, for judgement.