Car dealer’s marriage revoked

A 39-year-old trader, Stephanie Ode, has told the Igando Customary Court, how her husband, Geofrey Ode, abandoned her after he became a successful businessman.

The petitioner, Stephanie, approached the court to terminate her marriage, accusing her husband of adultery and abandonment. In her testimony, she said: “My husband was loving, caring and faithful when he was poor, until he became rich. He became a changed man after a businessman based in London started sending him cars and power bikes to sell. It was then he started flirting around with different women, coming home late and drunk. Sometimes, he would not even come home for days.”

The petitioner said Ode does not care for her and her children, praying the court to dissolve the union to allow her return the bride price in line with their custom.

The respondent was informed of the suit against him through the Internet. He allegedly refused to file defence and did not send any legal representative.

The Court President, Mr. Adeniyi Koledoye, said the court had no other choice than to dissolve the marriage.

“The court hereby pronounces the marriage between Stephanie and Geofrey Ode dissolved. Both of you henceforth cease to be husband and wife,” he said.

Koledoye asked Stephanie to take custody of the three children and ordered Geofrey to pay N20, 000 monthly for their feeding, aside being responsible for their education and welfare.