A 70-year-old man, Ahmed Babalola, has approached the Grade A Customary Court Mapo seeking the dissolution of his three-decade-old marriage, citing allegations of persistent domestic abuse, violence, and public humiliation by his wife, Aduke.
The case, which was heard in Ibadan, has drawn attention due to the gravity of the claims made by the plaintiff, who described his marital life as deeply troubled and emotionally draining. Babalola told the court that he could no longer endure what he termed his wife’s “uncouth behaviour” and alleged pattern of aggression.
According to his testimony, the marriage, which has lasted for nearly 30 years, has been marked by frequent конфликтs and distress. He claimed that his wife is habitually confrontational, often engaging in arguments and exhibiting what he described as a violent disposition. Babalola further alleged that he has lived in constant fear due to threats to his life.
“My wife and I have been married for almost 30 years, a period filled with pain and regret,” he told the court. “I find my wife’s behaviour towards me detestable. She is always rude, quick to pick fights, and never listens to advice.”
One of the central issues raised by the plaintiff was the alleged public embarrassment he has suffered at the hands of his wife. He claimed that Aduke repeatedly mocked him before neighbours and relatives by accusing him of sexual inadequacy, an allegation he firmly denied.
“My wife never stops humiliating me. She tells anyone who cares to listen that I am sexually inadequate, which is not true,” Babalola stated, adding that such remarks had made him a subject of ridicule within his community.
The plaintiff also accused his wife of physical aggression, alleging that she had threatened him with a knife on multiple occasions during disputes. He told the court that he narrowly escaped serious harm due to the intervention of neighbours, whom he credited with preventing potential трагедия.
“I would have been a dead man by now but for the timely intervention of our neighbours,” he said. “I even reported her to the police, but she boasted that she would do something worse.”
Babalola further alleged that the fear of being attacked has forced him to remain constantly alert, even while sleeping. “I sleep with one eye open because I fear she could stab me in my sleep,” he said, emphasizing the level of insecurity he claims to have endured within his own home.
In addition to the alleged violence, the plaintiff accused his wife of causing division within his family, stating that her actions had led to strained relationships among relatives. He described her as a disruptive influence who had turned family members against one another, thereby deepening the emotional toll of the marriage.
He also recounted an incident during his 70th birthday celebration, which he said was marred by conflict. According to him, what was intended to be a joyous occasion turned into a distressing event when his wife allegedly engaged him in a fight, tore his specially sewn attire, and destroyed his birthday cake.
“Aduke turned what was meant to be a joyous celebration into a nightmare,” he told the court. “She tore my clothes and ruined my cake.”
Based on these claims, Babalola urged the court to dissolve the marriage, stating that he had endured enough and could no longer continue in the relationship. He also requested that the court issue an order restraining his wife from threatening him or interfering with his privacy.
In her response, Aduke did not oppose the request for divorce, indicating her willingness to end the marriage. However, she made a counter request, asking the court to direct her husband to take responsibility for the welfare of their children. She specifically highlighted the need for provisions covering feeding, education, and healthcare.
The case has been adjourned by the court president, S. M. Akintayo, to May 6, when the court is expected to hear further arguments and possibly consider the defence.
Legal observers note that cases of this nature, particularly those involving long-term marriages and allegations of domestic violence, often require careful consideration by the court to ensure that justice is served while safeguarding the rights and welfare of all parties involved.
As proceedings continue at the Grade A Customary Court Mapo, the outcome of the case will likely depend on the evidence presented and the court’s assessment of the claims made by both parties.
