Abuja court dissolves 11-year-old marriage without love

Abuja court dissolves 11-year-old marriage without love

An Upper Area Court, Kubwa, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has dissolved an 11-year-old marriage between a housewife, Oloyede Oyetola and her husband, Subiar Afolabi for lack of love.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the judge, Muhammad Wakili, dissolved their marriage according to Islamic Law, following Oyetola’s prayer for divorce on the grounds of lack of love.

Wakili also ordered Oyetola to observe “Iddah”, which is a-three month observation period after the judgment before contracting another marriage.

Earlier, the petitioner told the court that she got married to Afolabi under Islamic law in 2013, and that their union produced two children.

Oyetola stated that she and her husband had been having marital issues for almost four years, adding that in spite of the intervention of their family members their families, the situation did not change.

“We have been separated for two years and I have been solely responsible for the feeding and education of our children.

“My husband never gave a dime for our children’s school fees,” she told the court.

“I no longer love my husband”, she told the court.

Oyetola thus prayed the court to dissolve their union.

The respondent husband also consented to divorce.

Causes of rampant divorce in Nigeria

Divorce rates have been on the rise in Nigeria in recent years, and there are several factors contributing to this trend. Some of the most significant causes of rampant divorce in Nigeria include:

Infidelity: Infidelity is a major cause of divorce in Nigeria, as many spouses cannot tolerate the thought of their partner being unfaithful. The advent of social media and online communication has made it easier for people to engage in extramarital affairs, which has contributed to an increase in divorce rates.
Financial Issues: Financial problems are another common cause of divorce in Nigeria. Disagreements over money and financial decisions can create tension and lead to the breakdown of a marriage. Additionally, poverty and economic hardship can put a significant strain on a marriage, leading to divorce.
Lack of Communication: Communication is essential for any successful relationship, and a lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings, resentment, and ultimately divorce. In many cases, couples may grow apart over time, leading to a breakdown in communication and the end of the marriage.
Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is a serious issue in Nigeria, and it is a significant cause of divorce. Many women are subjected to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse by their partners, leading them to seek divorce as a means of escape.
Cultural Differences: Cultural differences can also contribute to the high divorce rate in Nigeria. In some cases, couples from different tribes or religions may have difficulty reconciling their cultural beliefs and practices, leading to conflict and ultimately divorce.
Incompatibility: Incompatibility is another common cause of divorce in Nigeria. Couples may discover that they have different goals, values, or personalities that make it difficult for them to coexist peacefully. In such cases, divorce may be seen as the best solution.
Polygamy: Polygamy is still practiced in some parts of Nigeria, and it can be a significant source of conflict within a marriage. In many cases, the co-wives may not get along, leading to tension and ultimately divorce.
Lack of Education: Lack of education can also contribute to the high divorce rate in Nigeria. Many people lack the necessary communication and problem-solving skills needed for a successful marriage, leading to an increased likelihood of divorce.
Pressure from Family Members: Family members can sometimes put pressure on couples to divorce, particularly in cases where there are cultural or religious differences between the spouses. In some cases, family members may even intervene financially or physically to force a divorce.
Substance Abuse: Substance abuse is a growing problem in Nigeria, and it can contribute to the high divorce rate. In many cases, spouses who are addicted to drugs or alcohol may engage in violent or abusive behavior, leading their partners to seek divorce as a means of protection.