Gbolahan has filed for divorce at the Grade Customary Court in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, seeking to end his nine-year marriage to Sarah. He alleges infidelity, constant fighting, physical assault, and death threats, including an incident where Sarah threatened him with a knife after learning he was dating two women from their church.
Allegations of Infidelity and Violence
According to Gbolahan, Sarah was unfaithful with a tricycle driver, sending him affectionate messages daily. He claims she became hostile and violent upon discovering his relationships with two female church members. The plaintiff described Sarah as unfriendly and quarrelsome, stating that her disputes with neighbors forced the family to relocate four times in eight years.
Threats and Separation
Gbolahan alleged that Sarah regularly insulted, assaulted, and humiliated him. He said she began threatening him with a knife, prompting him to move out of their matrimonial home last year for his safety. Even after separation, he claims Sarah continued to verbally abuse and embarrass him in public.
Legal Requests
In addition to dissolving the marriage, Gbolahan seeks custody of two of their three children, citing Sarah's neglect as the reason for their unkempt appearance. He also requests unrestricted access to the third child and a court order restraining Sarah from threatening him or invading his privacy.
Wife's Response
Sarah denied all allegations but expressed willingness to end the marriage. The court president, Mrs. S. M. Akintayo, adjourned the case for the defense.
Testimony Details
In his testimony, Gbolahan stated: "I met my wife in 2017, and we had a customary marriage that same year. I did not pay her bride price. Sarah became unfaithful to me after we got married. She dated a tricycle driver, to whom she sent love messages daily. We fought over this, leading to a strain in our relationship. I established her in business twice, but she ruined both ventures due to her extravagant lifestyle. My wife is hostile and was always at loggerheads with our neighbors. I got fed up with constantly settling quarrels. We lived in four different houses within eight years because of her troublesome nature. I was not spared from my wife's cruelty. She fought with me continuously after discovering I was dating two ladies in my church. She also threatened me with a knife on several occasions. I moved out because my life was not safe. Sarah still refuses to let me be, humiliating me in public and verbally abusing me. I came to court to end the relationship and her mistreatment. She neglects our children, which is why they look unkempt. I appeal for custody of our first two children while she retains custody of the third. I further request an order restraining her from threatening me and encroaching on my privacy."
