Court ends 18-year marriage over wife's refusal to cook

By Ejire Folakunmi

A Grade ‘A’ Customary Court at Mapo in Ibadan has dissolved the 18-year-old marriage between Wasiu Abdulrahim and his estranged wife, Muibat, over claims of hot temperament and refusal to cook.

In its judgment, the court presided over by Mrs. O.E. Owoseni held that the dissolution was granted in the interest of peace. Owoseni noted that there was nothing the court could do since the petitioner insisted he was no longer willing to continue in the union.

“Therefore, the marriage between both of you has ceased to be and you can go your separate ways,” she said.

The court granted custody of the two male children, aged 13 and 16, to the petitioner, on the grounds that they require guidance from their father. Conversely, custody of the two female children, aged 9 and 6, was granted to the respondent, as they require their mother’s care in their formative years.

“Abdulrahim is directed to be responsible for the education and all other welfare of the children. Both of you must provide each other access to the children,” the court held.

In the suit, the petitioner alleged that his wife subjected him to psychological and physical trauma over the last 3 years. He added that the respondent stopped cooking for the home despite him making food available.

On her part, Muibat admitted she had stopped cooking for the home. She remained silent on the other allegations but urged the court to grant her custody of all the children, claiming the petitioner might turn them against her.