Mosunmola has accused her husband, Ayinla, of neglect and domestic violence at the Grade A Customary Court in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State. She said he frequently returned home late and engaged in physical altercations instead of fulfilling his duties as a husband. According to her, Ayinla paid N2,000 as her bride price but failed to provide basic care or support. She claimed he showed no interest in maintaining the household or ensuring her well-being.
Ayinla, in his defence, stated that he paid the bride price and therefore expected Mosunmola to cook and serve him upon his return home. He argued that her refusal to do so justified his actions, including physical confrontations. The court heard that the couple's relationship deteriorated significantly over domestic expectations and financial responsibilities. Proceedings are ongoing as the presiding judge evaluates testimonies and evidence presented by both parties.
A man who believes N2,000 bride price buys lifelong domestic servitude is not just misinformed—he reflects a dangerous mindset still tolerated in some spaces. Ayinla's justification of violence over cooked meals exposes how transactional views of marriage can erode dignity and safety. For Nigerian women trapped in similar unions, this case underscores how outdated customs, when weaponised, enable abuse under the guise of tradition. Legal intervention may offer temporary relief, but shifting such deep-rooted beliefs requires broader societal reckoning.
