Woman Seeks Divorce, Claims Father-in-Law Offered ₦50,000 for Affair

A 32-year-old trader and mother of three, Oluwatoyin Ibikunle, has approached an Akure Customary Court, requesting the dissolution of her 15-year marriage to her husband, Ayodeji, a 40-year-old vulcanizer, citing constant physical abuse and harassment.

Oluwatoyin claimed that her husband had repeatedly turned her into a “punching bag,” subjecting her to regular beatings, threats on her life, and public humiliation. According to her testimony, Ayodeji’s actions had escalated to a point where she felt she could no longer endure the relationship. “He’s irresponsible and keeps threatening my life. I can’t take it anymore,” she said.

In addition to the physical abuse, Oluwatoyin revealed shocking allegations involving her father-in-law. She claimed that her father-in-law had not only advised her to leave the marriage but also offered her ₦50,000 in exchange for an affair. “My father-in-law even proposed to me, offering me ₦50,000 to have an affair with him,” she said.

Oluwatoyin described a pattern of neglect and irresponsibility from her husband, who allegedly left her to shoulder all family responsibilities. She also recounted an instance where Ayodeji had asked her to leave their home under the guise of renovation. “I moved out deliberately because I couldn’t endure his beatings anymore,” she explained.

The petitioner further emphasized her desire to protect her children, stating, “The love is gone. I want custody of my children to give them a proper upbringing.”

‘She Is Wayward’

In response, Ayodeji denied the accusations, countering that his wife was “wayward” and that she had prioritized her business and relationships over their family. He claimed that she had left their home and rented an apartment, rejecting his attempts at reconciliation unless he reimbursed her for the rent she had paid to her new landlord. “I tried to reconcile with her, but she refused unless I refunded the rent she paid to the new landlord,” he said. He added that he had managed to pay ₦15,000 of the ₦20,000 she requested, but she still refused to return to him.

Ayodeji expressed his deep emotional attachment, saying, “I can’t live without her,” while accusing her of caring only about her business and her relationships with other men.

The court’s president, Magistrate Abiodun Obademi, advised the couple to reconsider their decision for the sake of their children and for peace to prevail in the family. He then adjourned further hearings until January 28.