Drama Unfolds in Ondo Court: Woman Accuses Lawyer of Secretly Marrying Ex-Husband
A dramatic scene erupted at the Akure Customary Court in Ondo State when Mrs. Folakemi Adebayo accused her ex-husband, Emmanuel Oyebanji, and the lawyer who handled their divorce case of betrayal. The court session took a tense turn when Folakemi, visibly emotional, stormed into the courtroom in tears, alleging that Emmanuel had secretly married the lawyer.
Folakemi claimed that the lawyer, who represented her during the divorce proceedings, pretended to be neutral while allegedly engaging in a romantic relationship with Emmanuel. She accused the lawyer of manipulating the divorce settlement to her advantage, leaving her short-changed. “She ruined my settlement! I trusted her to be neutral, not sleeping with my husband!” Folakemi cried out in court.
Emmanuel, however, strongly denied the allegations, stating that Folakemi had abandoned their home barely a year into the marriage and cut off communication. He explained that his relationship with the lawyer did not begin until after the divorce was concluded and denied any wrongdoing or conspiracy during the legal process. The lawyer also denied the claims, stating that her involvement with Emmanuel was strictly professional during the divorce proceedings.
After hearing from all parties, Presiding Judge Ireti Sunday ruled that the court could not take any action based solely on suspicion without credible evidence. “This court cannot act on suspicion alone. There is no evidence before this court to prove any conspiracy or professional misconduct between Mr. Emmanuel and the lawyer during the divorce process,” the judge ruled. Consequently, the case was dismissed.
The courtroom drama highlights the complexities and emotional challenges of divorce proceedings. While Folakemi feels betrayed by her ex-husband and the lawyer, Emmanuel and the lawyer maintain that their relationship began after the divorce. The court’s decision emphasizes the importance of evidence in resolving such disputes.
