By Our Reporter
A bricklayer, Owolabi Adetunji, has requested the dissolution of his nine-year marriage to his wife, Senebu, accusing her of attempting to unlawfully sell his house. Adetunji, who lives in the Moniya area of Ibadan, explained to the Mapo Grade A Customary Court that his wife’s behavior changed drastically after he allowed her to transition from selling soap to selling palm wine.
He claimed that after this change, Senebu became increasingly troublesome, engaging in constant arguments with his first wife and refusing to get along with her stepchildren. Adetunji also accused her of committing adultery by bringing men into their home. “Things were fine after I paid a dowry of N60,000 to her parents in Cotonou, Benin Republic,” he said. “But after I allowed her to start selling palm wine, she became uncontrollable.”
The petitioner further claimed that his wife had threatened to sell the house he built with his own hard work, leaving him unable to find peace. “Since May 2024, I’ve had to abandon the house,” he added.
Senebu did not attend the court hearing, despite several adjournments due to her failure to respond to court summons.
In her ruling, the court’s President, Mrs. S.M. Akintayo, granted the dissolution of the marriage, noting that Adetunji should not be compelled to remain in the relationship against his will. However, she awarded custody of the couple’s two young children to Senebu, based on their need for their mother’s care and affection. The court also directed Adetunji to provide for the children’s education and upkeep while ensuring he has “reasonable access” to them.