Court dissolves 10-year marriage over mother-in-law’s influence

The Mapo Grade A Customary Court in Ibadan has dissolved a decade-long marriage between Mrs. Abibat Oladimeji and Mr. Nurudeen Oladimeji, citing irreconcilable differences arising from the alleged overbearing influence of the husband’s mother.

Delivering judgment, the court’s president, Mrs. S.M. Akintayo, ruled that the union had broken down irretrievably as the petitioner no longer loved her husband and had moved out due to persistent discomfort.

“The court cannot compel the petitioner to remain in the marriage. The union between the petitioner and respondent is hereby dissolved,” Akintayo said.

She also granted custody of the couple’s two children, aged five and 10, to Abibat and restrained Nurudeen from harassing or interfering in her private life.

Abibat, a trader, told the court that her husband’s mother frequently influenced his decisions, often to her and the children’s detriment.

She claimed she had financed the building of their home but was no longer receiving the love and care she once enjoyed.

Nurudeen, however, accused his wife of being unruly and disobedient, appealing to the court to persuade her to return home.

Despite his plea, the court upheld Abibat’s request for separation.