David Odeniyi, a cleric, has approached the Mapo Grade ‘A’ Customary Court in Ibadan seeking the dissolution of his marriage with his estranged wife Bolanle. He cited domestic violence and constant embarrassment in church as the reasons for his decision.
Recalling his experiences to the court, Odeniyi, who resides in the Basorun area of Ibadan, accused his wife of having a volatile temperament.
He described instances where she would forcefully grab and tug at his trousers in public to humiliate him, stating, “If I had known she would treat me this way, I would never have married her.”
Odeniyi further revealed that Bolanle left him and their child to travel to Libya without his consent, remaining there for two years. He also mentioned an incident where she publicly shamed him by exposing a private matter they shared and physically assaulted him by kicking him in the stomach.
Despite having previously attempted to seek a divorce at a Grade ‘C’ Customary Court in the Gate area of Ibadan, where they were reconciled, Odeniyi asserted that Bolanle had not changed her behavior.
Notably, Bolanle failed to appear in court to present her defense when called, although she was present to hear her husband’s testimony. The bailiff confirmed multiple unsuccessful attempts to serve her with hearing notices, as she chose to disregard further appearances.
Rendered by the court’s President, Mrs. S.M. Akintayo, the judgment acknowledged the existence of a valid customary marriage between Odeniyi and Bolanle as evidenced. Akintayo emphasized the acceptance of uncontested evidence, particularly in the absence of the respondent during the proceedings.
As part of the ruling, Bolanle was ordered to refrain from threatening, harassing, or interfering in Pastor Odeniyi’s private life.