In a recent ruling, an Area Court in Centre-Igboro, Ilorin, Kwara State, has granted custody of four children to their mother, Olomu Ajibola, enabling her to provide them with proper care.
Judge Hammad Ajumonbi emphasized that a mother’s access to her children cannot be denied, even if the father holds legal custody. This decision comes after Mr. Ajibola filed for divorce and custody on April 16, following disputes with his wife—a move she agreed to at the time. However, she later claimed she had been barred from seeing her children since the divorce proceedings began.
In his ruling, Magistrate Ajumonbi noted that the father failed to present any evidence to contest the mother’s right to custody. While the court awarded custody to Olomu, it also granted Mr. Ajibola unrestricted access to the children. He is responsible for their feeding, school fees, medical care, and overall welfare.
“The parents should not take the children outside the jurisdiction of this court without mutual consent,” the judge stated, ensuring that both parents remain involved in the children’s lives.
Importantly, the ruling included a stipulation that the mother would lose custody if she remarries.
