I’m Still Capable at 70” — Man Seeks Divorce Over Wife’s Public Humiliation, Threats in Oyo Court

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A a70-year-old man, Ahmed Babalola, has approached the Grade A Customary Court sitting in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, seeking the dissolution of his three-decade marriage over alleged emotional abuse, public humiliation, and threats to his life.

Babalola told the court that his wife, Aduke, had made life unbearable for him, describing her as violent, confrontational, and disrespectful throughout their 30-year union.

According to him, the marriage has been marked by persistent conflict, with his wife frequently instigating arguments and disregarding his opinions. He further alleged that she publicly ridiculed him before neighbours and relatives by claiming he was sexually incapable — an accusation he strongly denied.

The plaintiff said the repeated claims had damaged his reputation and turned him into a subject of ridicule within his community.

He also accused his wife of violent behaviour, claiming she had threatened him with a knife on two occasions, forcing him to live in constant fear for his safety.

“I sleep with one eye open because I fear she could attack me at any time,” he told the court, adding that he had previously reported her to the police, but the situation did not improve.

Babalola further recounted an incident during his 70th birthday celebration, which he said turned chaotic after his wife allegedly destroyed his clothing and cake during a confrontation.

He maintained that the relationship had caused deep divisions within his family, accusing Aduke of creating discord among relatives.

Declaring that he could no longer endure the situation, Babalola urged the court to dissolve the marriage and grant an order restraining his wife from further threats or interference in his private life.

In her response, Aduke did not oppose the divorce but appealed to the court to compel her husband to continue providing for their children, particularly in the areas of feeding, education, and healthcare.

The President of the court, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, adjourned the case until May 6 for further hearing.