Man Sues Estranged Wife for Changing Children’s Surnames to New Lover’s

Ilesanmi AdekanbiAugust 12, 2023

2 minutes read

A man in Ondo State has dragged his wife to a customary court, seeking to establish his paternity over his four children, after she changed their surnames to that of her new lover.

Ayodeji Obayan, who appeared before the Grade ‘A’ Customary Court in Oke-Eda, Akure, on Friday, said he was shocked and angry when he discovered that his wife, Lillian Obayan, had altered their children’s names without his consent.

Obayan told the court that he and Lillian had been married for 23 years, but their marriage had been troubled by constant conflicts and abuse. He said that in 2019, Lillian packed her belongings and left their home to live with another man.

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He said that he was still hopeful of reconciling with her and their children until he found out that she had changed not only her name but also the surnames of their children to match the name of her new lover.

He said that he felt betrayed and disrespected by his wife’s actions, and he wanted the court to intervene and uphold his rights as the biological father of his children.

He also accused Lillian of being an irresponsible mother who did not care about the welfare and education of their children.

Lillian, however, defended herself and said that Obayan was not a good husband or father, as he did not pay their children’s school fees or provide for their needs.

She also claimed that Obayan did not pay her dowry, and that she had found a man who was willing to marry her and take care of her and her children.

She said that her new lover wanted her children to bear his name instead of Obayan’s, and that her children were old enough to choose for themselves. She said that their two daughters were 22 and 20 years old, while their two sons were 18 and 16 years old respectively.

She urged the court to dismiss Obayan’s case and allow her to live peacefully with her new lover and her children.

The court president, Magistrate Olusegun Rotiba, appealed to both parties to maintain peace and avoid further violence. He adjourned the case till September 28, 2023, for continuation and adoption of oral addresses and possibly judgment.