A Lagos State Customary Court has dissolved a 35-year-old marriage between a husband and wife over alleged defamation of character, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV gathered the names of the couple, on Wednesday, as Mr Abolore Lawal and Ms Shakirat (both of Lagos residents).
According to a statement in the Court sighted by Igbere TV, Lawal said his wife, with whom he has had three children, maligned his reputation by calling him a “thief.”
He said the wife made the “false allegations” against him in the presence of his co-workers.
“She accused me of embezzling money meant for payment of arrears and promotion, which was not true,” he wrote.
The 57-year-old father of three also said that his wife also accused him of infidelity.
“I have never been unfaithful to my wife but she keeps accusing me of extra martial affairs”, Lawal added.
He, therefore, urged the court to dissolve their marriage, insisting that he was no longer interested and that the love he once had for his wife had faded.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, President of the Court, Adeniyi Koledoye, said the estranged couple showed signs that they were tired of the marriage.
“The respondent did not appear in court in person to defend the accusations raised by the petitioner”, he said.
“It is sad that the marriage that has produced young children in which the couple should be enjoying with their grand children, now found displeasure in each other.
“Since both parties consented to the dissolution of their marriage, this court has no choice than to dissolve the marriage”, the Court added.
“The court hereby pronounces the marriage between Rahman Lawal and Shakirat, dissolved today, both of you henceforth cease to be husband and wife.
“Each of you should go on his or her separate ways unmolested, the court wishes both of you well in your future endeavor”, Judge Koledoye concluded.
