Posted by KOLA ADEPOJU, Abeokuta and VINCENT ADEKOYE, Benin on
AS lovers all over the world feted one another yesterday on Valentine's Day, shock ripped through a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Ogun State as he broke down and wept over the loss of his wife to an Alhaji on the eventful occasion.
AS lovers all over the world feted one another yesterday on Valentine's Day, shock ripped through a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Ogun State as he broke down and wept over the loss of his wife to an Alhaji on the eventful occasion.
But with love-filled hearts, students in Benin, the Edo State capital, jettisoned class work and spilled out into gift shops and clubs in parts of the city for a rollicking time despite the state government's strict academic regulations.
Pastor James Ola Azeez of RCCG Ayetoro Garage Parish Abeokuta, could not believe his ears when Magistrate Kazeem Olaiya Orlando of the Lafenwa Magistrate Court granted his wife, Aderonke's request for divorce.
Worse was in store as immediately after the verdict, Aderonke made for the Alhaji who is a surveyor and they embraced intimately outside the court.
Aderonke, who is an English Language teacher at Peartree International School, Abeokuta, had sought for divorce in the court after alleging that her pastor husband frequently assaulted and starved her of funds and food.
She recalled that her husband beat her up heavily one Saturday night over the complaint that she could not interpret properly for him at the pulpit while preaching during Sunday service.
As a result of the beating and the effects, she prayed the court to grant her request for divorce.
According to her, she met Azeez in 1990 while he was the Booking Manager of the Ogunde Theatre Group and she was an actress with Isola Ogunsola Organisation.
Her husband, however, denied the assault charge admitting though he had beaten her, he has turned a new leaf because of their three growing kids.
Azeez disclosed that he started manhandling his wife after she refused to stop bleaching, particularly in view of her being a pastor's wife.
Ruling on the matter, Magistrate Orlando granted Aderonke's request on the ground that the court cannot force her to remain the pastor's wife, moreso as the marriage had irretrievably broken down.
In Benin, students abandoned classes to celebrate the Valentine's Day outside.
Those found on the streets were mostly teenagers who quit classes in hundreds and clustered round gift shops to purchase cards and other gift items for their loved ones.
This year's Valentine Day in Edo state was observed in a new dimension as teachers had hectic time trying to keep the students out of the streets.
When Daily Champion moved round the state capital about 10.45am, it was discovered that gate men in the various schools who had been battling to control the students, had given up while the students were seen pulling off their uniforms in preparation for the celebration.
At Idia College located at the ever busy Iyaro area of the city and opposite the headquarters of the state Ministry of Education, the students were said to have overwhelmed the aged security man and moved out en masse.
The situation was different at Emotan College where the anxious students jumped the fence to get out of the school premises.
The development was a great boost to all night clubs and relaxation centres located in all parts of the town as they were already filled up even as early as 11.am.
In one of the schools located along Sapele road, a female student was said to have slapped one of the female teachers who had wanted to prevent her from going out of the premises.
Speaking on the situation, an official at the state Ministry of Education, Mr. A. Effionaye, blamed the situation on the excesses of the night clubs and relaxation centres who he said ought not open their gates for any activities until 6.00pm.
"Who do you blame? Look at the way these clubs are operating. Go to most of them, you will see that they are already dancing and doing all sorts of things as early as 10.00am. They, by this, entice the youngsters to abandon their studies. Government should regulate the activities of these clubs houses,"
he said