A divorce seeking clergy, Pastor David Odeniyi has told a Mapo Grade A Customary Court in Ibadan to dissolve his marriage to his estranged wife, Bolanle on grounds of domestic violence and constant embarrassment in church.
Recounting his ordeal before the court, Odeniyi, a resident of Surulere street, Basorun area of Ibadan stated that there was never a day in his matrimonial home when there would not be any form of misunderstanding between him and his wife.
He added that Bolanle normally hold his trousers and drag him about around the room to disgrace him.
He noted with lamentation that if he had known that his wife would not show him love, care and rest of mind, he would not have gone to the altar with her.
“Just two years in to our union, Bolanle abandoned me with the only child between us and travelled to Libya and was there for two years without my approval.
“In fact, she stripped me naked in front of my congregation and maliciously exposed the secret I kept with her.
“Worst still, Bolanle usually prevent visitors from seeing me, poisoned my food and kicked me in the stomach,” Pastor Odeniyi said.
He argued that he had once filed a divorce suit against her at a Grade ‘C Customary Court at Gate area in Ibadan, but that the court reconciled them then.
He contended that the respondent refused to turn a new leaf thereafter.
However, Bolanle was not in court when she was called to open her, defense despite being around witnessing her husband’s testimony.
The bailiff also said that he served her several hearing notices and that she chose to ignore further appearance.
Delivering judgment, the court’s President, Mrs S.M. Akintayo said that Odeniyi was no longer interested in the marriage though there was a valid customary marriage between him and Bolanle from the evidence before the court.
Akintayo added that the court admits any piece of uncontroverted evidence especially as the respondent failed to appear in court.
She granted the order restraining Bolanle from threatening, harassing, disturbing and interfering in the private life of Pastor Odeniyi.