Ibadan says his wife objection to his calling led to him having an affair and child out of wedlock

IBADAN clergyman Pastor Oluwasanjo Eniola has asked a customary court to dissolve his 20-year old marriage because of his wife's objection to his religious calling which he says led him to have extra-marital affairs.

Pastor Eniola, 41, asked a Grade C Customary Court in Inalende, Ibadan, to dissolve his marriage to Basirat, over her alleged resentment to his pastoral call. He told the court that her resentment to his pastoral call was responsible for his extra-marital affairs which produced a child.

"My lord, my wife never supported my pastoral call, instead, she is in the habit of nagging me. She used to fight me over female church members but I let her realise that the women always give me advice that she never gives.

"At a time, she abandoned her matrimonial home and travelled to Lagos without my approval, so later, I decided to move closer to one of my female church members who gave me support. We eventually came together and our immorality led to pregnancy but I quit the relationship to avoid the wrath of God, so I pray the court to separate us so that I can effectively face my ministerial work without interference,” Pastor Eniola pleaded.

In her defence, the 34-year-old Basirat pleaded with the court to prevail on her husband not to leave her, blaming the plaintiff for the challenges experienced in their union, which had produced four children. Basirat alleged that her husband approved her relocation to Lagos to do menial jobs when life was tough for the family.

She added: "Truly, I nagged him when I noticed his unholy romance with a female church member he eventually impregnated. As a woman, it is not strange that I expressed my disapproval towards his relationship with the woman, after all, he is a pastor.

"I want the court to give us more time for settlement because I cannot remarry after four children. I promise to corporate with him if the matter is resolved.”

Upon hearing from both sides, the president of the court, Chief Ramoh Olafenwa, adjourned the case until February 28 to enable the parties to report on an out-of-court settlement. Chief Olafenwa advised the couple to give peace a chance and to amicably resolve the matter in the interest of their children.