He gives children and me N80 for food daily, wife tells court

An Osogbo Grade II Customary Court in Osun State has dissolved the nine-year-old marriage between Bilikisu Odekanle and her husband, Taofeeq, over lack of care.

Bilikisu had approached the court to dissolve the marriage because Taofeeq did not take care of her and their children.

“He does not take care of us. He only gives me N80 to feed our two children and me daily. As a result of the lack of care, I left his house about two years ago.

“I have come to court to seek divorce because one of our children was sick and I took the child to him, he told me that he was responsible for the child’s sickness in order to punish me.

“He also told me that he was expecting me to bring a dead child because if the child dies, I will be at a loss. I pray the court to separate us so that I can have peace,” she said.

Taofeeq, however, denied the allegations, saying that he took care of his family within the available resources.

“All she said is not true. I give her N200 daily, that is after I have bought food in the house.

“I refused to take care of the sick child because there was a disagreement between her father and l. All I want is for her to return my children and I will take care of them,” he said.

Chief Bolarinwa Popoola, President of the court, said that “the plaintiff has proved her case that the defendant did not care for the family.

“The defendant confirmed his lack of adequate care, although he denied the charge of giving N80 for feeding.

 “Both parties have agreed that the marriage cannot go on which the court now grants with immediate effect.

The child, who is eight years old, will go to the defendant while the younger child, who is two years old, will remain with the plaintiff.

“The upkeep of the younger child will be borne by the defendant by paying N2000 monthly through the court; he is also to be responsible for the child’s education and hospital bills.

“The court grants both parties right of access either through the court or as mutually agreed,” he ruled. 

- Tribune