70-Year-Old Man Seeks Divorce in Oyo Court, Accuses Wife of Mocking His Bedroom Performance and Threatening His Life

 

A 70-year-old man, Ahmed Babalola, has approached the Grade A Customary Court sitting at Mapo, Ibadan, seeking the dissolution of his nearly 30-year marriage, citing persistent humiliation, violence, and mockery from his wife, Aduke.

Babalola told the court that his wife frequently ridiculed him publicly by claiming he could not "perform" in bed, making him a laughingstock among neighbours and relatives. He strongly denied the allegations, insisting that he remains "strong and capable" even at his age.

“My wife and I had been married for almost 30 years, a period filled with pain and regret,” Babalola testified. “I find my wife’s behaviour towards me detestable. Aduke conducts herself in an uncouth manner. She is always rude and quick to pick fights. She never listens to my instructions or takes my advice.

“During our disagreements, my wife always shouts me down and insists on having her way. My wife never stops humiliating me. She tells anyone who cares to listen that I am sexually inadequate, which is a lie. Even at 70 years of age, I remain strong and capable in bed.”

The petitioner further described his wife as violent and uncontrollable. According to him, Aduke has drawn a knife on him on two occasions during arguments, forcing neighbours to intervene to prevent harm. He claimed he reported the incidents to the police, but she allegedly bragged that she would do something worse next time.

“I sleep with one eye open because I fear she could stab me to death in my sleep,” he said. Babalola added that his wife has turned family members against one another and ruined his 70th birthday celebration by tearing the clothes he had sewn for the occasion and destroying his cake during a fight.

He prayed the court to dissolve the marriage and issue an order restraining Aduke from threatening him or infringing on his privacy.

Aduke, who is reportedly much younger than her husband, consented to the divorce but urged the court to compel Babalola to take full responsibility for their children’s upkeep, particularly feeding, education, and healthcare.

The President of the court, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, adjourned the matter until May 6, 2026, for the defence to be heard.

This case highlights the often complex and deeply personal issues that find their way into customary courts, where couples seek formal dissolution of marriages marked by emotional and physical strain.