In a landmark ruling delivered on March 11, 2025, the court has declared that no marriage ever existed between Tunde Ayeni and Adaobi Alagwu, effectively dismissing all counterclaims made by Alagwu.
The case, which began on February 26, 2025, revolved around the legitimacy of a purported marriage that Ayeni contended did not exist due to the fact that the money paid was for the child, following intense pressure from Adaobi’s father.
Ayeni also argued that his prior marital commitment to his wife, Mrs. Abiola Ayeni, under the Marriage Act, further invalidated any claims of a marriage with Alagwu.
The court’s judgement was anchored on several critical points raised during the proceedings. As the petitioner, Ayeni presented evidence showing that he has been legally married to Mrs. Abiola Ayeni since 1994.
He emphasized that he did not marry Adaobi; rather, the money paid was meant for the child, whom he initially believed to be his.
He contended that this payment was made under pressure from Adaobi’s family, who insisted it be done to avert any customary consequences and to ensure that the child bore Ayeni’s name.
The court found that Alagwu’s claims lacked merit, citing clear statutory limitations defined by the Marriage Act. While Adaobi contended that the court lacked jurisdiction, the court ruled that the matter at hand was not between Ayeni and his wife but rather between Tunde Ayeni and Adaobi Alagwu. Also, since Adaobi admitted that the money had been returned according to the customary native law and customs, she could not now turn around to rely on jurisdiction.
During the hearings, Ayeni’s legal counsel, Joseph Silas, emphasized that Adaobi resorted to blackmail after Ayeni withdrew monthly allowances previously accorded to her and requested that she vacate the property he had entrusted to her.
In conclusion, the court affirmed that no marriage ever existed between Tunde Ayeni and Adaobi Alagwu, and all of Alagwu’s claims were rejected.
