14 years marriage ends as wife’s friend accuses her of cheating

An Ibadan-based businessman, Kehinde Balogun, has had his 14-year-old marriage to his estranged wife, Stella, dissolved by a Mapo Grade A Customary Court.

The union, which produced three children, was dissolved following allegations of infidelity, domestic violence, and marital discord.

Balogun sought the dissolution on grounds of adultery, claiming his wife had an affair with their plumber.

He told the court, “My lord, I became completely frustrated when I found out that Stella was having extra-marital affairs with my plumber and I made her realise this.

“Then, she decided to move out of my house, packing my belongings with her and abandoning our three children.”

However, Stella denied the adultery claims, attributing the accusations to lies from a friend. She alleged that Balogun reacted aggressively, turning her into a “punching bag” and neglecting their home.

She said, “That friend of mine had told Balogun that I’ve been sleeping around and he consequently began to react to me negatively.

“He turned me into a punching bag and stopped sleeping in the house. Later on, Balogun started sending my photographs to his woman-friend.

“My lord, he has remarried with my three children in his care and they are not properly catered for.”

During the cross-examination, Balogun denied infidelity and dismissed Stella’s allegations of abuse.

Delivering her judgment, the court’s President, Mrs. S.M. Akintayo, dissolved the marriage, citing mutual unwillingness to continue the union.

She also issued a restraining order, prohibiting Stella from harassing, threatening, or interfering with Balogun’s private life.

The court did not provide explicit custody arrangements but noted that the children were already under Balogun’s care.