A Grade A Customary Court sitting in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, has adjourned a divorce suit filed by a woman, Eluronke, against her husband, Ayomipo, whom she accused of drunkenness and domestic violence. Eluronke told the court that Ayomipo constantly embarrassed her throughout their marriage.
Details of the Allegations
According to her, he had a habit of drinking excessively on a daily basis until he became intoxicated. The plaintiff further stated that the defendant often tried to justify his excessive drinking by claiming that consuming large quantities of alcohol helped him sleep soundly. She added that her husband also maintained that drinking prevented him from overthinking and falling into depression.
Eluronke further explained that, contrary to Ayomipo's claims about the benefits of his alcohol consumption, he usually became violent and unruly whenever he got drunk. According to Eluronke, she and her husband were often perceived as a nuisance by their co-tenants and neighbours because of the frequent altercations instigated by Ayomipo, particularly in the middle of the night. She stated that his actions regularly disturbed residents who had retired for the night.
Specific Incident Recounted
Eluronke further told the court that on one occasion, Ayomipo returned home intoxicated and engaged in a prolonged fight with her, which began at about 9:00 p.m. and continued until 5:00 a.m. the following day. She stated that following the incident, she moved out of the matrimonial home and began living separately from her husband. However, she alleged that the separation did not bring her peace, as Ayomipo continued to harass her. According to the plaintiff, the defendant frequently visited her new residence to cause disturbances, engage in fights, and publicly embarrass her.
Prayers Before the Court
Eluronke, therefore, urged the court to grant her custody of their only child, stating that this would enable her to provide the child with proper care, attention, and guidance. She further requested that the court direct her husband to assume responsibility for the child's welfare, particularly in the areas of feeding, education, and healthcare. The plaintiff also prayed the court to order the defendant to pay the sum of N70,000 monthly for the child's feeding and general upkeep.
Defendant's Absence
Ayomipo was absent in court despite having been served with a court summons.
Testimony in Detail
Testifying before the court, Eluronke said: "My husband and I contracted a traditional marriage in 2020. He paid my bride price, and we thereafter began living together as husband and wife. The greatest mistake I have ever made in life was marrying my husband. He has no meaningful occupation other than drinking himself into a stupor. He constantly made excuses for his addiction to alcohol. He would claim that drinking helped him sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. He also maintained that excessive alcohol consumption prevented him from overthinking and becoming depressed.
"Whenever my husband got drunk, he became irrational and uncontrollable. I was always the victim of his behaviour. He would descend on me and beat me mercilessly, leaving me with injuries and emotional pain. Most of the assaults occurred in the middle of the night when everyone had gone to bed. Our neighbours and other residents in the area regarded us as a nuisance because the disturbances from our quarrels constantly disrupted their peace.
"On one occasion, he got drunk and fought me from about 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. the following day. After that incident, I moved out of his house because I could no longer endure his shameful lifestyle. However, he still refused to allow me any peace of mind. He frequently comes to my new residence to harass, assault, and embarrass me.
"I approached this court because I am tired of his maltreatment and abuse. I respectfully pray the court to dissolve our marriage. I also seek custody of our only child. My husband is addicted to alcohol and lacks the capacity to provide the care and guidance our child requires. I further urge the court to compel him to take responsibility for our child's welfare by providing for feeding, education, and healthcare. I request that he be ordered to pay N70,000 monthly for the child's feeding and general upkeep. Lastly, I pray the court to issue an order restraining my husband from threatening, harassing, or infringing on my privacy."
Court Adjournment
Following her testimony, the court president, Mrs. S. M. Akintayo adjourned the case until June 30 for defence and directed that a fresh hearing notice be issued and served on the defendant.
