Folakemi, a woman from Ibadan, has taken her husband, Kareem, to court, asking for a divorce after 22 years of marriage, citing constant fighting, threats to her life, and lack of peace in their home.
In her petition to the Grade A Customary Court in Mapo, Ibadan, Folakemi said her husband had been making her life unbearable for years. According to her, Kareem would often fight with her over small issues, and despite her efforts to keep peace in the home, he continued to threaten her.
Folakemi recounted that Kareem had asked her to leave their bedroom because he wanted to take another wife. In order to avoid further conflict, she moved into their son’s room, but Kareem allegedly didn’t stop there. He demanded that she leave the house entirely and even threatened to kill her when she refused to comply.
Things worsened when Kareem also targeted her mother. Folakemi said that her husband had her mother arrested with the help of Civil Defence officers, accusing her of advising Folakemi against him.
The distraught wife pleaded with the court to dissolve their marriage and grant her custody of their two youngest children. She also requested access to the other three children and asked the court to order Kareem to financially support their children’s care. Furthermore, she sought a restraining order to prevent Kareem from interfering with her life or making any more threats.
Despite being served with a court summons, Kareem did not show up for the hearing.
The case was adjourned by the court president, Mrs. S.M. Akintayo, who ordered that a fresh hearing notice be sent to Kareem.
Folakemi expressed that she had endured enough abuse and was asking the court for a fair decision that would allow her and her children to live in peace.
