'Let Your In-laws Mediate In Your Marriage'

A wife in a divorce suit on Monday was ordered by the Somolu Customary Court in Lagos to visit her parents-in-law for possible reconciliation with her estranged husband.

The Court President, Mrs. Modupe Bajulaiye, said the petitioner, Tajudeen Lasisi, 45, had insisted on the dissolution of his marriage to Toyin Lasisi, 38, who however, wanted the marriage sustained.

“The respondent wants reconciliation but has refused to seek her parents’ in-law support. Court can only help her if she will visit her parents-in-law for reconciliation.

“The petitioner has made up his mind for the dissolution and the court wants sustenance because of the three children involved in the marriage,” Bajulaiye said.

Toyin, a petty trader, told the court in June 29 that she injured her husband when she discovered that he was cheating on her.

She said she learnt that her husband rented an apartment for his girl friend, while they owed their landlord six months’ rent.

“My husband is a womaniser. He flirts around with other women and takes alcohol to the extent of falling inside gutter after drinking.

“He is irresponsible. He never gives me and our three children feeding money, yet he is dating a woman in front of our house.

She, however, pleaded with the court to reconcile them, saying she still loved him despite his behaviour.

Lasisi, a refrigerator repairer, had urged the court to dissolve the 25-year-old marriage, alleging that she was difficult to control.

“I want this marriage dissolved because my wife usually beats me and threatens me with dangerous weapons after a little misunderstanding.

“I am pleading with the court to compel my wife to allow me to take some of my clothes out of our matrimonial home,” he told the court.

He said he ran away from home since June 20, after his wife injured him.

Lasisi, who did not deny his wife’s allegations, however, said he was no longer comfortable staying with her.

Bajulaiye gave the respondent two weeks to enable her visit her parents-in-law in Ijebu-Ishiwo, Ogun, for possible reconciliation.