A Badagry Customary Court in Lagos State on Friday dissolved the 17-year-old marriage between a housewife, Wulemot Agbaje and Mukaila Agbaje over alleged “irresponsibility and adulterous habit” of the husband.
The President of the Court, Mr Sakirudeen Adekola, in granting Wulimot’s petition said: “the marriage had broken down irretrievably and I believe that both parties are better left to continue their respective lives in peace.
“The court hereby dissolve the marriage between Wulemot and Mukaila such that they shall cease forthwith from being regarded as husband and wife from Nov.30.’’
The court, however, ordered that the four children of the marriage be granted to the petitioner who was their biological mother until adulthood when they can take their own decisions.
“Mukaila shall pay monthly upkeep allowance of N20, 000 through the registry of this court for the children.
“The respondent shall also be responsible for the children’s medical bills and school fees as obtainable in government establishments.
“Both parties are to maintain absolute peace between themselves, their families and communities whenever or wherever they might meet.
“Appeal against this verdict is allowed within 30 days from today Nov. 30 and violation of the court order shall be deemed contempt of the court and dealt with accordingly,” the president of the court said.
Earlier, the petitioner, Wulemot, 35, a fashion designer had pleaded with the court to dissolve her marriage, alleging that Mukaila, her husband, was “irresponsible and a womanizer.”
The petitioner, who lives at No 7, Seide Compound, Igbo-Orosun, Badagry, told the court that Mukaila was always avoiding responsibility for the children upkeep and school fees.
“My lord, I have to add dry cleaning business to my fashion designing to enable me make ends meet.
“My husband always beat me anytime I complained about his adulterous habit.
“Mukaila flirted with different women in our matrimonial home, even when my daughter challenged him, he beat her up,” she said.
However, Mukaila, 45, a driver, who resided at No. 46, back of MRS filling station, Ajara, Badagry, denied all the allegations leveled by Wulemot. (NAN)