Drama As Woman Changes Children Surname Over Husband’s Inability To Pay Brideprice, Other Reasons

…Woman Changes Children’s Surname Amid Dispute Over Brideprice Payment & Parental Duties.

A Nigerian woman named Chibuzor Lillian Obayan is facing legal action from her estranged husband, Theophilus Obayan, who has taken her to court. Theophilus alleges that Chibuzor intentionally changed their children’s last name to her new partner’s name due to his inability to fulfill the dowry payment.

Theophilus is seeking a divorce from their 23-year marriage before a Customary Court in Oke-Eda, Akure. He claims that Chibuzor left their home to move in with another man in 2019, and subsequently changed her own name as well as their children’s surname to match that of her new Igbo partner.

He shared with the court the difficulties he faced during their marriage, which included conflicts, mistreatment, defiance, misunderstandings, falsehoods, manipulation, and animosity.

Theophilus stated, “I married Lilian in 2000, and we have four children. I am Yoruba, while my wife is Igbo. Her family has never accepted me, and I endured a lot due to their lack of affection.”

He explained that after Chibuzor left their home, he lost access to his children and requested the court to dissolve the marriage, grant him custody of their children, and restore his surname as their own.

In response, Chibuzor defended herself by portraying her former husband as irresponsible and abusive. She claimed that he subjected her to physical abuse, leading to fractures, and neglected his parental and spousal responsibilities like payment of children’s school fees. She also revealed that Theophilus had not paid her dowry.

Chibuzor argued, “I found someone who truly cares for me and wants to marry me. He wishes for our children to carry his surname instead of their absent father’s. Our children are mature enough to make this decision.”

She mentioned that she brought witnesses to court to establish whether their marriage had a traditional foundation and implored the court to dissolve the union due to the unpaid dowry.

The court’s president, Mr. Olusegun Rotiba, advised both parties to pursue an amicable resolution and postponed the case until September 28, 2023, for further proceedings or a possible judgment…[CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>