About two weeks ago, report had surfaced that Emma, the wife of Emeka Ike, a popular Nollywood actor, had filed for divorce. Emma had asked the Lagos Island customary court to dissolve their 12-year-old marriage, saying she could no longer bear being tortured. At the hearing on Wednesday, July 22, the actor failed to show up. According to his counsel, Abdul’Hakeem Labi-Lawal, Emeka was not in court because he was ill, The Nation reports.
Labi-Lawal begged the court to give Emeka 6 months to see if there was a possibility of settlement between the couple adding that the actor was still in love with his wife. Emma however said 6 months was too long adding that Emeka had 2 years to reconcile with her but he didn’t. In his ruling, the court’s President, Chief Awos Awosola, said the court could only grant two weeks. “I am expecting Emeka Ike in this court if he really wants settlement,” he added.
The matter was adjourned till August 12 for further hearing. Speaking after the court rose, Emma said she was not interested in the marriage anymore, wondering why her husband wanted reconciliation now, after 2 years she left her matrimonial home.
“If I was still with him, I may not survive. I was 19-year old when I met him and he was the one who deflowered me. I see no reason I shouldn’t be treated with utmost respect. Due to physical torture, my health has been affected. There was even a time I thought I had breast cancer because I felt a lump on one part of my breast,” she said. The marriage produced four children between ages 4 and 13. According to the wife, Emeka Ike took her children away from her and has turned them against her.
Emma said in tears: “Even when he didn’t allow me access to see our children, I spoke with them on several occasions but now, he doesn’t allow me anymore. My children are now against me. “I almost went mad when my first son told me on phone that if I truly loved them, I wouldn’t have abandoned them. Even my seven-year-old son whose day wouldn’t be complete without seeing me said he doesn’t love me. I love my children. I miss my children. I never abandoned them. I am in pain. They don’t have any other mother. I really need my children. I am a good woman; I endured so many things as his wife.”
