She’s violent, unfaithful’ — 81-year-old man seeks divorce after 54 years of marriage
‘She’s violent, unfaithful’ — 81-year-old man seeks divorce after 54 years of marriage
Ademola, an 81-year-old man, has asked the Grade A Customary Court 2, sitting in Mapo, Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, to dissolve his 54-year relationship with wife Adesewa, over alleged infidelity, irresponsibility and violence.
Ademola, who said they began living together in 1972 without a formal marriage ceremony, told the court that he began regretting the union 16 years ago after allegedly catching his wife in an adulterous act.
“My wife suddenly became unfaithful and unreliable in our marriage,” he said.
The plaintiff accused Adesewa of frequently spending days away from home without offering any reasonable explanation for her absence.
“There were times she left home for three days without leaving a clue about her whereabouts,” he said.
Ademola also described his wife as troublesome and unruly, alleging that she routinely turned disagreements into fights.
“We argue and fight over almost everything. I go about almost stark naked these days because my wife has torn most of my clothes to shreds,” he told the court.
Ademola also alleged that his wife had threatened his safety, recounting an incident in which she allegedly grabbed his neck and almost strangled him after he caught her with another man.
“My lord, my wife is violent, and my life is no longer safe with her,” he said.
He claimed that their children and other people around them were aware of what he described as his wife’s promiscuous lifestyle.
The plaintiff said he reported Adesewa to the police after the alleged strangulation attempt, adding that the couple had become regular visitors to police stations because of their disputes.
“My wife and I have become a common face at the police station due to her shameful behaviour,” he said.
“My lord, my wife has made my life miserable. I am tired of our relationship and have decided to disengage from it.”
He also asked the court to issue an order restraining Adesewa from threatening him or encroaching on his privacy.
The court president, O.E. Owoseni, adjourned the case for the defence.
