In a dramatic turn of events, a Grade A Customary Court in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, has been hearing a case of domestic turmoil between Rashidi and his wife, Jemila, who have been married for 14 years. Rashidi, the plaintiff, is seeking a divorce, citing numerous grievances, including an incident where Jemila allegedly grabbed and pulled his scrotum during a fight, landing him in the hospital for weeks.
Husband’s Claims
Rashidi described his wife as hostile, defiant, and irresponsible, accusing her of:
Disrespecting his parents: She allegedly burned his mother’s clothes and disrupted his father’s sleep by throwing stones on the roof.
Unapproved religious practices: Rashidi claimed Jemila visited a church without his consent and sprinkled salt around their home, which caused tension.
Physical assault: He recounted how Jemila grabbed his scrotum during a fight, leading to his hospitalization.
Poor marital conduct: He alleged that Jemila resisted correction, verbally abused him, and escalated arguments into physical altercations.
Rashidi asked the court to dissolve their marriage and grant him custody of their children, arguing that Jemila was morally unfit to raise them.
Wife’s Defense
Jemila agreed to the divorce but opposed Rashidi’s request for custody of their children. She made several counterclaims, including:
Neglect: Rashidi allegedly gave her and their children only ₦2,000 weekly for food, along with a congo of rice, forcing her to take up menial jobs.
Maltreatment: She accused Rashidi of beating her and throwing her belongings out of their home, leaving her to sleep in the corridor on several occasions.
Fabricated accusations: Jemila denied the allegations of strained relationships with her in-laws, stating she and Rashidi’s mother were friends.
A Troubled Marriage
The couple married in 2011 after meeting through Jemila’s brother. Rashidi claimed Jemila lacked training and the skills to manage a home, which caused constant conflicts. Jemila, on the other hand, said Rashidi changed after their first pregnancy, influenced by his mother’s suspicions about her.
Court Proceedings
The court presided over by Magistrate Lewis Mumba, has adjourned the case until February 25 for judgment. Jemila requested that the court mandate Rashidi to provide for the children’s feeding, education, and healthcare if custody is awarded to her.
