A woman seeking the dissolution of her marriage at the Grade A Customary Court sitting in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, has accused her husband, Ayomipo, of domestic violence and excessive alcohol consumption.
The petitioner, Eluronke, told the court that her husband regularly assaulted her whenever he became intoxicated, alleging that some of the attacks lasted for several hours.
According to her, Ayomipo habitually consumed large quantities of alcohol on a daily basis until he became drunk and uncontrollable.
Eluronke stated that throughout their marriage, her husband constantly embarrassed her with his behaviour and often attempted to justify his excessive drinking by claiming that alcohol helped him sleep better and prevented him from becoming depressed.
She, however, told the court that contrary to his claims, he usually became violent whenever he was under the influence of alcohol.
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The plaintiff further explained that she and her husband were often perceived as a nuisance by neighbours and co-tenants because of the frequent disturbances caused by his conduct, particularly at night.
According to her, residents in the area regularly had their sleep disrupted by the couple’s quarrels, which she said were often triggered by Ayomipo’s drunkenness.
Eluronke told the court that on one occasion, her husband returned home intoxicated and engaged her in a prolonged altercation which started around 9:00 p.m. and lasted until about 5:00 a.m. the following day.
Following the incident, she said she decided to move out of the matrimonial home and began living separately from him.
She alleged, however, that the separation did not bring an end to her ordeal, as Ayomipo allegedly continued to harass and embarrass her.
According to her, he frequently visited her new residence to cause disturbances and create scenes that left her distressed.
Eluronke therefore urged the court to dissolve the marriage and grant her custody of their only child.
She also requested that the court compel her husband to take responsibility for the child’s welfare, including feeding, education and healthcare expenses.
In addition, she prayed the court to order the defendant to pay N70,000 monthly for the child’s feeding and general upkeep.
The plaintiff further sought a restraining order preventing her husband from threatening, harassing or interfering with her privacy.
“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,” she told the court.
“The greatest mistake I have ever made in life was marrying him.
“He has no meaningful occupation other than drinking himself into a stupor. Whenever he got drunk, he became irrational and uncontrollable.
“He would descend on me and beat me mercilessly. On one occasion, he fought me from about 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. the next day.
“After that incident, I moved out because I could no longer endure his behaviour, but he still comes to my new residence to harass and embarrass me,” she said.
Ayomipo was absent from court despite being served with a hearing notice.
Following her testimony, the court president, Mrs. S. M. Akintayo, adjourned the matter until June 30 for defence and directed that a fresh hearing notice be issued and served on the defendant.
