WTF AFRICA- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN REVERSE

Man seeking divorce from wife alleges lack of care & maltreatment… Says ‘SHE BEATS ME’

This is a role reversal putting it mildly. It is not everyday we hear husbands seeking dissolution of their marriages on reason of domestic violence and maltreatment from their wives. It is a rare happenstance especially in this part of the world.

However, on Monday 19th November 2012, a 32-year-old trader, Sunday Olagoke, pleaded with the Grade ‘B’ Customary Court, Orile- Agege , Lagos to dissolve his 16-year-old marriage, alleging maltreatment by his wife. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that he told the court he wanted dissolution based on “threat to life, constant fighting, lack of care and absence of love”.

The report further stated that he testified in tears that his wife, Christianah, treated him like a slave, ruined his business and did not respect his family.

“My wife does not cook for me, the worst is that she beats me whenever I confront her. She behaves like a man and I was scared of her all through the period we were together. We had no issue together, we lived like cat and mouse and she eventually left the house a year ago without telling me. I really suffered in her hands; I was the wife while she was the husband. But I thank God it is now over,” he said.

The trader, told the court that his wife ruined his business before she left him.

“I taught her how to trade, I made her my accountant and she ruined my business. I do not know where she took my money to, she owed many people money in my name. I heard she is now married to another man and I want the court to dissolve the marriage so that I will be free from her bondage.”

The Court President, Mr. Joseph Adewusi, while urging the petitioner to maintain the peace, adjourned the case till November 29 for ruling.