Chief Magistrate O. A. Ogunbowale of an Igbosere
Magistrate’s Court in Lagos has granted custody rights to
Eniola Adenuga, over his 16-month old daughter. But his
babymama, Maggie Ogun, a pharmacist, has sought the
court’s leave to appeal the order.
According to the Nation newspaper, Ogun’s objection that
Adenuga cannot take adequate care of the child, was
dismissed and Eniola was granted an overnight access to
the girl every fortnight from 8 am on Saturday to 12 noon
on Sunday, until the case is determined.
But, Ogun, through her lawyer, Mrs Marian Jones of the
International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), has
applied to the magistrate for leave to appeal the ruling.
She is also praying for an order suspending the ruling’s
execution, as well as an order praying for a stay of
proceedings pending the appeal’s determination.
In his supporting affidavit in support of his motion for
custody, Eniola, who works at Conoil Producing Ltd, said
he started an amorous affair with Ogun in October 2013.
He said she informed him in 2014 that she was pregnant
with his child, following which he took full responsibility for
their welfare.
Adenuga said he paid for her antenatal care at Reddington
Hospital, gave her N100k monthly and took her to London
where she gave birth. He said he paid the bills worth
£22,000, purchased a first class return ticket for her, and
accommodated Ogun and her mother in his Cadogan
Gardens, London home.
He said Ogun returned to Lagos in January, 2015, three
months after delivery, and denied him access to the child.
His words: “I was denied access to see my daughter on
the ground that I was not interested in marrying her. I
sought her understanding in this regard and reminded her
of the fact that we had both agreed to end the relationship
as it was heading to nowhere.”
He said Ogun’s mother insisted that he would only see the
child on the condition that he married Ogun.