9th March, 2012
A hairdresser on Thursday pleaded with a Mushin Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve her 26-year old marriage on grounds of constant battering.
The petitioner, Evelyn Fagbamiye, told the court that her husband, Peter Fagbamiye, had turned her into a punching bag.
“He has a very bad temperament. He beats me over little quarrels and I feel hurt that after 26 years of marriage, we still have this same problem.
“He has threatened my life several times. I cannot wait for him to carry out his threat before leaving his house. I want him out of my life.
“The court should dissolve the marriage,” she said.
Evelyn, who said there was no love lost between them, urged the court to grant her the custody of the children of the marriage of between ages 14 to 26.
The husband, however, objected to the dissolution of the marriage, saying “I do not want a divorce.
“It is obvious we have some marital problems. Our church pastors are willing to mediate in the problem. I want to be reconciled with my wife.
The president of the court, Dr. Abayomi Ipaye, advised the couple to reconcile their differences and live together as one.
“There is no marriage without challenges. I want you to consider a possible reconciliation,” he said.
He adjourned the case to April 4 for further hearing.