Olujonwo Obasanjo, son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday told an Ikeja High Court that all efforts to serve his estranged wife, Mrs Temitope, divorce papers has been proven abortive.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Temitope nee Adebutu, is a daughter of popular Premier Lotto magnate, Sir Kessington Adebutu alias “Baba Ijebu”.
The report says the couple were absent in the court during the proceedings.
Olujonwo’s counsel, Mr Olayinka Kujembola, informed the court that several efforts had been made to serve Temitope but all to no avail.
“We have made several attempts to serve her in Abeokuta, Ogun State, but failed.
“Even at her residence located within an Estate in Ikoyi, the court Sheriff complained that he was unable to effect service because of the tight security,”Kujembola said.
Justice Bisi Akinlade noted that proceedings in the divorce suit were always reported in the media and that efforts should be made to serve Temitope in Ogun where she works and resides.
“The issue between this couple is always reported in the papers.
“The respondent stays in Ogun State, why do you want me to grant an order for substituted service for Lagos where she does not stay?.
“I will adjourn this case to ensure that the bailiff serves her personally so that we can be sure that we have exhausted all options.
“This is a very simple matter, it is a very simple divorce. This case is adjourned till Oct. 2 for hearing of pending applications,”Akinlade said.
Olujonwo’s counsel, Ms Omo Omofoma also told the court during proceedings of May 23, that Olujonwo had made several attempts to serve Temitope all to no avail.
Justice Akinlade had said during the proceedings that other means of service like an alternative address and courier service should be explored by the petitioner (Olujonwo).
It was reported that Olujonwo and Temitope got married on May 11 and 13, 2017 in a grand wedding which attracted the who is who of the society. The marriage wall started cracking few months later
Weeks before May 2017 wedding, Olujonwo’s mother, Mrs Taiwo Obasanjo had filed a suit at an Ikeja High Court seeking the postponement of the wedding of her son to Temitope. Her reasons were that there were prophecies from men of God that the son shouldn’t get involved in any huge celebration before his 34th birthday which was to take place by June 1, 2017.
Justice Lateefa Okunnu in a ruling on April 10, 2017 had dismissed the suit on the grounds that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear it because Olujonwo, then 33, was an adult. (NAN)