A court in Ibadan has dissolved a 25-year cohabitation between a mother of five, Adenike Alabi, and her partner, Lukman Alabi, citing infidelity and battery as key reasons.
The Mapo Grade A Customary Court, presided over by Mrs. S. M. Akintayo, delivered the judgment on Wednesday.
Adenike, a birth attendant, told the court that her ordeal began shortly after she suffered a miscarriage in 1997.
“My Lord, Lukman started beating me after accusing me of causing the miscarriage,” she said.
She revealed that Lukman’s behavior worsened when he began bringing other women into their home.
“He would bring different shapes of ladies into our home to sleep with him,” Adenike lamented.
Unable to endure the situation, Adenike moved out of their home and started living in her clinic.
However, she claimed that Lukman continued to harass her by destroying her belongings.
“I reported him to the police and a non-governmental organization, but he didn’t stop,” she added.
Adenike explained that Lukman’s violent behavior persisted despite multiple warnings from authorities.
She further revealed that no bride price was paid when they began living together.
In response, Lukman denied the accusations of infidelity and claimed that Adenike neglected him after he lost his job.
“My wife stopped caring for me because I lost my means of livelihood,” Lukman said.
He admitted that they frequently argued and that Adenike often left the house during these disputes.
“She moved to her clinic whenever we had any disagreement,” Lukman told the court.
According to him, police officers once advised Adenike to leave if she was no longer comfortable in the relationship.
“On March 9, she left the house after I confronted her with allegations of promiscuity,” he added.
Delivering the judgment, Mrs. Akintayo clarified that no formal marriage existed between the two.
“There is no marriage to dissolve because no bride price was paid,” she stated.
The court noted that essential requirements for a valid marriage under customary law were absent.
These requirements, according to Akintayo, include parental consent, capacity to marry, and the presentation of gifts.
Adenike was granted custody of the five children from the union.
The court ordered Lukman to provide for the children’s education and welfare.
Additionally, Lukman was restrained from harassing or threatening Adenike.
“He must not interfere in her private life,” Akintayo ruled.
This case highlights the challenges faced by women in long-term relationships without formal marriages.
Many Nigerians are now questioning the protection available for women in such unions.
Speaking after the ruling, Adenike expressed relief at the court’s decision.
“I’m glad the court has finally put an end to this nightmare,” she said.
She urged other women in similar situations to seek legal help.
