Divorce-seeking pastor blames wife for his extramarital affair

A 41-year-old pastor, Oluwasanjo Eniola, has asked a Grade C Customary Court, Inanlende, Ibadan, to dissolve his marriage to his wife, Basirat, over her alleged resentment to his pastoral call.

Eniola, on Tuesday urged the court to grant his prayers for dissolution of his 20-year marriage to Basirat to enable him to be free from his wife who’s not supportive.


The plaintiff confessed that Basirat’s 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.

”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.

”I pray the court to separate us so that I can effectively face my ministerial work without interference,” Eniola pleaded.

In her defence, 34-year-old Basirat pleaded with the court to prevail on her husband not to leave her.

She, however, blamed 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 job when life was tough for the family.

”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.

“And I promise to corporate with him if the matter is resolved.” Basirat said.

The president of the court, Chief Ramoh Olafenwa, adjourned the case until Feb.28 for parties to report on settlement of the matter out of court.

Olafenwa advised the couple to give peace a chance and to amicably resolve the matter in the interest of their children.