A 70-year-old man, Ahmed Babalola, has approached the Grade A Customary Court sitting in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, seeking the dissolution of his marriage to his wife, Aduke. He told the court that he is exhausted by the relationship, describing his wife as troublesome, violent, destructive, and someone who creates conflict within the family while also humiliating him with claims of sexual inadequacy.
Babalola described living with Aduke as unbearable, saying their 30-year marriage has been marked by persistent hardship due to what he called her uncouth behaviour. He alleged that she frequently embarrassed him before neighbours and relatives by accusing him of being incapable in bed.
According to him, nothing he does ever satisfies his wife, whom he said is often angry and quick to provoke arguments. He added that her violent nature has left him constantly on edge, forcing him to “sleep with one eye open” out of fear for his safety.
He further claimed that Aduke once ruined his 70th birthday celebration by tearing the clothes he had prepared for the occasion and destroying his cake.
Babalola told the court that he has endured repeated humiliation and threats to his life, and that he can no longer tolerate the situation. He therefore appealed to the court to dissolve the marriage and allow both parties to go their separate ways.
While Aduke did not oppose the divorce, she asked the court to compel her husband to take responsibility for the welfare of their children, particularly their feeding, education, and healthcare.
Presiding over the case, Mrs S. M. Akintayo adjourned the matter until May 6 for further hearing.
