My wife stripped me in front of my congregation – Divorce-seeking pastor tells court

Pastor David Odeniyi has asked a Mapo Grade ‘A’ Customary Court in Ibadan to dissolve his marriage with Bolanle, on the grounds of domestic violence and constant embarrassment.

The applicant recounted when his estranged wife stripped him n@ked in church during service, right in front of the congregation.

Odeniyi, who resides in the Basorun, Ibadan, also accused Bolanle of abandonment. He said she traveled to Libya without his permission, leaving their kid with him, and she has been out of Nigeria for two years.

The cleric told the court that he once filed a divorce suit against her at a Grade ‘C Customary Court at Gate area in Ibadan, but the judge reconciled them at the time.

He said he decided to make a request again because the respondent refused to turn a new leaf. However, Bolanle was not in court when she was called to open her defense despite being around to witness her husband’s testimony.

Pastor Odeniyi said; ”She pulls and drags my trousers in order to disgrace me. Had I known that my wife would treat me like this, I would never have married her. Bolanle abandoned me with our only child and travelled to Libya. She’s been there for two years without my approval.

“In fact, she stripped me naked in front of my congregation and maliciously exposed the secret I kept with her. Worst still, Bolanle usually prevent visitors from seeing me, poisoned my food and kicked me in the stomach”.

The court’s President, Mrs S.M. Akintayo said Odeniyi though there was a valid customary marriage between the two, it was obvious that the complainant was no longer interested in the marriage.

She granted the order restraining the defendant from threatening, harassing and interfering in the private life of her estranged husband.