The 21-year marriage between Omotayo Kumunyi, a caterer based in Ibadan, and her husband, Olatunde, was dissolved on Friday by the Mapo Grade A Customary Court in Ibadan. The dissolution followed serious allegations of poisoning and domestic violence made by the wife.
Kumunyi, a resident of Osungbade area in Ibadan, had approached the court seeking the dissolution of her marriage, citing her husband’s neglect in catering for her and their four children. She revealed that she was forced to leave their matrimonial home when the situation became unbearable.
In her testimony, Kumunyi explained that about five years ago, their third child confided in her, claiming that she had seen her father pour a black substance into her food when she wasn’t around. She confronted Olatunde with this revelation, but he refused to taste the food when she offered it to him.
Kumunyi further accused Olatunde of regularly abusing her and their first child physically.
She also requested that the court grant her custody of the children, claiming that Olatunde would not provide adequate care for them.
In response, Olatunde did not address most of the allegations but confirmed that he had paid the dowry to Kumunyi’s family. He suggested that he should be granted custody of the children and was willing to contribute N5,000 per month towards their upkeep if he was denied custody. Olatunde also argued that Kumunyi had mistreated their two youngest children, and the second child had been attending school regularly while in his care.
Delivering judgment, the court’s President, Mrs. S.M. Akintayo, declared the marriage dissolved, confirming it was legally contracted based on the evidence presented. Kumunyi was granted custody of the last three children, with Olatunde ordered to pay N20,000 monthly for their feeding, education, and overall welfare.
The court also ruled that the first child, being 18 years old, had the legal right to choose which parent to live with.
However, the court emphasized that Kumunyi must allow Olatunde reasonable access to the children.
Additionally, a restraining order was issued, prohibiting Olatunde from harassing, threatening, or interfering with Kumunyi’s private life in the future.
