A respondent, Mr Abiodun Adeyanju, on Tuesday told an Akure Customary Court that he married his wife, Mrs Opeyemi Adeyanju, carrying another man’s pregnancy.
Abiodun told the court that despite being aware of his wife’s pregnancy for another man, he still married her to show his love and kindness for her.
The respondent said he recently discovered that his wife was pregnant again for another man, whose identity she refused to disclose.
“I offered to render her some relief out of compassion, I allowed her to live with me in my house, and our relationship subsequently led to marriage.
“My wife was a known symbol of a mess in our neighbourhood, as a result of her high rate of promiscuity,’’ he said.
Adeyanju, a truck driver, alleged that Opeyemi was stubborn and disrespectful to him.
Earlier, the petitioner told the court that the respondent was fond of beating her at the slightest provocation.
“He usually stays away from home, without considering my welfare and that of our two children.
“My husband twice broke my hand because I was trying to dissuade him from smoking.
“I usually reported all the issues between us to his family members,’’ she said.
The petitioner sought the dissolution of her 12-year-old marriage to the respondent on grounds of threat to life and lack of care.
Opeyemi said she could no longer cope with the pains in the marriage.
The president of the court, Chief Rotimi Olusanya, told the petitioner not to misuse the opportunity she had, saying, “rarely could anyone cater for another man’s pregnancy’’.
“I want two of you to settle the misunderstanding between you because of your children,’’ Olusanya said.
He adjourned the case until April 6, for settlement or determination of the marriage. (NAN)
OKEO/DEB/PIO