A Mapo Grade A Customary Court in Ibadan has told an estranged couple that their living together and procreating for 30 years was simply cohabitation and not marriage.
The Court’s President, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, made the pronouncement, on Friday, when delivering judgment in the petition filed by one Mujidat Oladimeji, who sought dissolution of her union to Ahmed Oladimeji.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mujidat, the petitioner, had in April 2025 approached the court to put an end to her 30 year-old union with Ahmed, on grounds that the latter was reckless, promiscuous and often beat her.
Akintayo held that the evidence before her clearly indicated that there was no payment of bride price, which was a basic requirement in determining the validity of any customary marriage in Nigeria.
The court president said that the fact that a man and a woman lived together, procreate and raise children together did not mean that they were married.
According to her, payment of bride price, consent of the bride’s parents, formal handing over of the woman by her parents or guardians and gifts presentation were crucial legal requirements in considering a valid customary marriage.
“Therefore, the relationship between Mujidat and Oladimeji is a mere cohabitation and not a marriage.
“Both parties are free to go their separate ways in the interest of peaceful living.
“The respondent is directed to be responsible for the six children’s education and general welfare.
“Also, the respondent is restrained from harassing, threatening and interfering in the private life of the petitioner,” the President said.
Earlier, Mujidat, a trader had explained to the court that she had never enjoyed anything, but agonizing pains in her 30 years of living under the same roof with Ahmed.
“My lord, my life is not safe if I continue to live with Oladimeji because he beats me at any slightest provocation.
“In fact, he usually destroy the goods and commodities in my shop in order to wreck me down.
“Worst still, Oladimeji brings different shapes of women into our matrimonial home to sleep with in my presence.
“I’ve moved out of his home, but our last child who is age 17 is still with him.
“I don’t want him to negatively influence the child with his reckless lifestyle, award custody of the child to me,” Mujidat prayed the court.
However, Ahmed was not in court for defence in spite of summons served on aware of the matter.
The bailiff told the court that he had served several hearing notices on him, but that the respondent chose to ignore the court. (NAN)
