A divorce case took an unexpected twist at the Akure Customary Court this week as a woman, Mrs. Folakemi Adebayo, accused her ex-husband’s female lawyer of secretly marrying him after allegedly manipulating the outcome of their divorce proceedings.
The court session, presided over by Judge Ireti Sunday, descended into mild drama when Folakemi burst into tears, alleging betrayal and professional misconduct.
“She ruined my settlement ! I trusted her to be neutral, not to sleep with my husband,” she cried, insisting that the romantic affair began while the divorce case was still pending in court.
Folakemi claimed the female lawyer used her professional role to influence the divorce process in her favour, leaving her disadvantaged in the final settlement.
She demanded a review of the judgment and an investigation into what she described as unethical behaviour.
Her ex-husband, Mr. Emmanuel Oyebanji, denied the allegations, stating that his former wife had abandoned their marriage barely a year in and ceased all communication.
“She left me alone. I found comfort in someone who understood what I was going through,” he told the court, stressing that his relationship with the lawyer only started after the divorce was finalized.
The female lawyer, who was present in court, also denied any wrongdoing. “My dealings with Mr. Emmanuel were purely professional. There was no romantic involvement until long after the case was closed,” she told the court.
After hearing all parties, the presiding judge dismissed the case, citing lack of evidence to support the allegations.
“This court cannot act on suspicion alone. There is no evidence before this court to prove any conspiracy or professional misconduct,” Judge Ireti Sunday ruled.
Mrs. Folakemi Adebayo left the courtroom visibly upset, while Mr. Oyebanji and the lawyer exited quietly, declining to speak with reporters.
Credit: Hope Newspaper
