Wife seeks divorce over husband’s alleged irresponsible, nonchalant attitude

One Salamat Ahmed on Wednesday filed for divorce at an Area Court, Centre-Igboro, Ilorin, accusing the husband, Musa Abdulmutalib of irresponsible and nonchalant attitude.

The petitioner told the court that her husband did not not provide enough food for the family and was not caring, saying that she was hospitalised on two occasions and the respondent allegedly refused to visit her.

“My mother-in-law is a traditional care giver and my husband insists that I must patronise her anytime I want to give birth, that is why I had to deliver my two children in her place.

“Unfortunately, I always have psychological problem each time I give birth at my mother-in-law’s place, which has never happened in my lineage before.

“I didn’t want to go to my mother-in-law the second time, but my husband insisted and even when I had problem after birth, my husband still refused, until my parents took me to the hospital.

“I also had accident with the baby after a year and my husband refused to visit the hospital until I was discharged and met him at home doing nothing,” she explained.

The petitioner insisted that she could no longer marry the respondent, saying that he did not respect her feelings and would only provide for the family needs by his mother’s consent.

“My husband always gives my mother-in-law money to buy food stuff and everything we need at home, without asking me for what we need at home and does not give me money at all.

The respondent, however, said that he was still interested in the relationship and had tried to settle their misunderstanding by calling her and also visiting his in-laws to no avail.

He, however, said that the petitioner always complained of his inability to provide for the family and went as far as informing his elder brother whom he worked with as an Islamic teacher.

“My wife always complain to my elder brother who also doubles as my boss in the office of my inability to provide for the family, which makes him abuse me all the time.

“She collected different gifts from my brother and used them to abuse me that I am not responsible and disgraced me in the presence of outsiders,” he explained.

Presiding judge, Hammad Ajumobi, said that the couple had three problems, but the most among them was that of the Alfa Olowo, who usually interfered in their relationship without the husband’s consent.

Ajumobi, however, said the respondent was wrong for not showing care and concern for the wife, especially when she was hospitalised.

He advised the respondent to be conscious of his dealings with his wife, saying that there should be a different space for mother and wife in a husband heart.

The court said Shari’a law allowed room for settlement when the partner involved still showed interest, but there was no force in marriage when the partner involved was no longer interested.

The case was adjourned to Nov. 22 for report of settlement or hearing, but if the respondent refused to do the needful, the marriage would be dissolved.