A former regent of Ayebode-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Chief Idowu Omolayo, yesterday, urged a Customary Court sitting in Ikole-Ekiti to dissolve her marriage of 39 years to Chief Olusola Omolayo.

The 60-year-old is seeking the dissolution on grounds of constant fighting, public disgrace and lack of proper care of the family by the husband.

According to her, she once attempted to divorce her husband in 2004, but the town chiefs, family members and the court prevailed on her and she withdrew the divorce suit.

She said that she could no longer withstand the beatings from her husband, in spite of the fact that no dowry was paid on her, adding that the association had produced four grown up boys.

The President of the court, Mrs Yemisi Ojo, asked: “What if court makes an order that your husband stops beating you and pays your dowry so that the matter is settled amicably?”

She insisted that she wanted to separate from her husband before he kills her.

I try my best—Husband

However, the defendant denied all the allegations, saying he was trying his best to take care of his family in his capacity.

His words: “Although my wife sometimes assists me in paying the children’s school fees when I do not have money on me, as a father and husband, I try my best and perform my fatherly responsibilities within my capacity.”

Ruling on the matter, the Court President, Mrs Ojo, said both parties should produce their witnesses in the next adjourned date.

She added that the plaintiff must come with two of her children, emphasising that the second born must be one of them and adjourned the case till May 15.