Nigeria Footballer, Kayode Olanrewaju, has filed a cross-petition against his estranged wife, Ezinne Dora Okoro, before a High Court of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking dissolution of their 13 years old marriage over alleged adultery and fornication.
Joined in the suit numbered PET/304/2024, is an alleged secret lover of the estranged wife, Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, listed as Co-respondent.
Kayode’s estranged wife had in her petition dated March 19, 2024, and filed on March 20, 2024, by her lawyer, Chuks Udo-Kalu, is asking the court for the followings reliefs: “an order of dissolution of the marriage on grounds specified in this petition.
“An order granting custody of the three (3) children to her.
“An order restraining the respondent (Kayode Olanrewaju) from coming to harass, intimidate, assault and abuse her at House F4, Tulip Road, Pinnock Beach Estate, Lekki, Lagos State or at aii.
“An order directing the respondent (Kayode Olanrewaju) to pay monthly maintenance allowance for the upkeep of the children as may be determined by this Honourable Court.”
But, Kayode, who is currently playing for a Turkish team, Gençlerbirliği, in his counter-petition to the estranged wife petition, filed by his lawyer, Akinpelu Ogunbona, apart from asking the court for the dissolution of the marriage, his also asking the court an order granting him the custody of the children of the marriage, namely: Jayson Kayode, Male, born on January 11, 2014; Jayden Kayode, Male, born on December 7, 2015; and Jamin Kayode, Male, born on July 7, 2017, with right of access to his estranged wife.
He also asked for an order against Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, (co-respondent) for the payment of the sum of N1 billion, to him for the emotional trauma, financial loss and loss of goodwill occasioned by the adulterous relationship between the pastor and his estranged wife.”
He stated that the grounds for the orders/reliefs sought for are: “the marriage has broken down irretrievably by reason of the fact that, since the marriage, the respondent/petitioner (his estranged wife) has committed adultery with the co-respondent (Pastor Tobi Adegboyega) and other men and that he finds it intolerable to live with her.
“The respondent/petitioner (estranged wife) has behaved in such a way he cannot reasonably be expected to live with her.”
The footballer in statement of facts in support of the petition, cited several allegations involving infidelity, financial misconduct, and a dramatic family fallout.
Olanrewaju claimed that since their marriage in 2013, Ezinne has repeatedly committed adultery, including his earlier claim of an ongoing affair with Pastor Adegboyega. Adding that his wife’s relationship with Adegboyega has not been discreet, with the pair seen openly attending parties and sharing intimate moments in public.
He also said that Ezinne has had similar relations with other men, which has made it intolerable for him to continue living with her as husband.
He also alleged that Dora diverted significant funds and rental proceeds from properties he purchased, alleging that she is using them to sustain her extravagant lifestyle and her alleged relationship with Pastor Adegboyega.
The plot, according to the lawsuit, included collusion with Dora’s ex-lover, Ugochukwu Igboanugo, who helped her misappropriate property documents. The footballer further accused Ezinne of abusing alcohol and leading a life filled with late-night parties, which contributed to the deterioration of their marriage.
The footballer further accused his estranged wife of undermining their joint business ventures. While stating how he incorporated DE-J-S Concept Limited, intending it to be a vehicle for their investments.
He also alleged that Ezinne exploited this opportunity to siphon funds and benefit from the company’s assets, facilitated by her alleged ties with Ugochukwu Igboanugo.
He also alleged that Dora abducted their three children and fled from home on March 24, 2024. And that the Directorate of State Security Service (DSS), helped to track her down and was arrested at a hideout in Abuja.
He alleged Dora’s jumping bail to evade further investigation and that she attempted to secure new passports for their children to relocate abroad.
Meanwhile, Justice Modupe Osho-Adeniyi has fixed September 24, 2024, for the hearing of the petition and counter-petition.
