By Ayodele Popoola

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A housewife, Bunmi Falodun, has approached an Akure Customary Court for the dissolution of her nine-year-old marriage to her husband, Ayomide, over allegations of frequent beating and lack of care.

The petitioner is seeking separation on the grounds of threat to life, frequent beating and that the man has failed to perform his matrimonial duties.

Bunmi told the court that she got married to the respondent at Ayeka/Igbodigbo, Okitipupa after he paid the dowry of N10,000, claiming her husband sent her out of the house since April, leaving the responsibility of taking care of the children for her.

The petitioner, a resident of Airways, along Ondo Road Akure, told the court that the union which was blessed with two children had been very challenging and the husband’s beating at the least provocation and irresponsible behaviour had become unbearable.

The petitioner said that they had been living together until a few months ago when the respondent sent her and the children out of the house at 10pm.

“ My husband beats me without mercy. He does not provide food and care for the children, and he does not perform any of his matrimonial duties. Instead, he goes out, comes back home drunk, and beats me up.

”I endured his shabby attitude for years. I cannot endure anymore,” she said.

Bunmi said the respondent had sent her out of his house with her children and they slept outside on that fateful day. She told the court that there was no love anymore in the union.

Pleading with the court not to dissolve the marriage, the respondent admitted beating the petitioner, but claimed he was always under the influence of alcohol.

Ayomide promised to turn a new leaf, praying the court to reconcile them.

“What my wife said is true. But I only beat her once and it was when I was drunk.

“I am trying my best to cater for her and the children. I am a painter and we know how the economy is now. I always give her up to N50,000 monthly.

“I still love my wife and I want the matter to be settled amicably. And I promise that I will never beat her again.”

After listening to both parties, the President of the court, Mrs. Temitope Falana, urged the petitioner to consider the plea of her husband and forgive him.

However, the petitioner insisted that she was no longer interested in the marriage and urged the court to grant her request, claiming that the respondent could kill her in the long run.

The magistrate ordered that the case file be taken back to the registry, for possible transfer of the matter to Okitupupa jurisdiction, where the marriage took place.