Court dissolves 5-year marriage over sexual starvation

A Grade A Customary Court in Mapo, Ibadan, has dissolved the five-year union between Mrs. Monilola Kolawole and her estranged husband, Mr. Olugbenga, citing desertion and sexual deprivation.

Presiding over the case, the court’s President, Mrs. O.E. Owoseni, ruled that the marriage could no longer stand since the petitioner had lost interest in continuing the relationship.

“Based on the evidence adduced by the petitioner, there is a subsisting marriage between Kolawole and Olugbenga because of payment of bride price and presentation of gifts.

“However, the former is no more willing to continue as a result of the latter’s home desertion for three years.

“Therefore, the court has no other reason than to put an end to the relationship in the interest of peace and tranquility,” Owoseni stated.

The judge, however, declined Monilola’s request for an order restraining Olugbenga from harassment or interference, noting that he had been absent for three years.

Earlier, the petitioner, a trader residing in the Old Academy area of Ibadan, told the court she decided to quit the marriage after her husband abandoned their home without explanation.

She lamented that had she known her husband would desert her, she would never have entered into the union.

“After doing the necessary marital rites, Olugbenga and I began our lives as a couple, but I discovered that he was keeping away from having sexual intercourse with me.

“I did all I could to ensure that he stopped starving me of sex, but my efforts were to no avail.

“All these culminated in not being pregnant or having any child with him.
“Besides, Olugbenga was not caring in any way.

“In fact, he decided to abandon the home three years ago and I don’t know where he currently lives.

“Worst still, Olugbenga’s relatives have told me to vacate their son’s apartment,” she told the court.

The respondent was absent throughout the proceedings and failed to defend himself against the allegations. According to the court bailiff, several hearing notices were served on Olugbenga, but he declined to appear.