An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has granted Mrs Busola Abere custody of her two children following the breakdown of her marriage to Mr Babatunde Abere.

The court also ordered the father to pay ₦100,000 monthly as upkeep allowance for the children and directed him to take financial responsibility for their education up to the tertiary level.

Justice Julius Ajibare, who delivered the ruling, held that granting the father shared custody of the children would be absurd based on the evidence presented before the court.

The judge stated that the court had no reason to engage in what he described as an absurd arrangement.

Consequently, the court awarded custody of the two children to their mother while directing the father to actively participate in their upbringing and finance their education until they complete tertiary education in their preferred disciplines.

The court further ordered that the monthly upkeep allowance of ₦100,000 be paid into a dedicated account established for the children’s maintenance.

However, Justice Ajibare granted the father unrestricted access to the children at all reasonable times, provided such visits take place in public places.

Why the Father Sought Joint CustodyThe court proceedings followed an application filed by Babatunde Abere, who sought an order granting him joint or shared custody and access to the two children of the marriage.

In an affidavit supporting his application, Abere, through his counsel, Folasade Abiodun, said he had lived with his wife and children until October 2025, when he allegedly left the matrimonial home following persistent attacks, unresolved disagreements, confrontations and arguments that he claimed were escalating towards violence.

He argued that granting his application would ease his burden and reduce his continuing anxiety about the whereabouts and welfare of the children.

Mother Opposes Shared Custody

However, Busola Abere, through her counsel, Iyanu Olumuagun, denied the allegations contained in her husband’s affidavit and opposed his application for custody.

She argued that granting the father custody could negatively affect the children’s mental health and education.

The respondent further alleged that the children could be exposed to drunkenness, gambling and wayward behaviour if custody were granted to their father.

After considering the parties’ positions and the evidence before it, the court granted custody to the mother while preserving the father’s right to access his children and directing him to contribute financially to their upkeep and education.