Akwa Ibom Court Rejects Divorce Request After 43 Years of Marriage

(Court. Photo by A&E)
An Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo ruled that a couple who have been married for over 43 years cannot get a divorce just because they claim they no longer love or respect each other.

The judgment was delivered on Friday, November 13.

Justice Archibong Archibong ruled that a lack of love and respect between spouses is not enough reason to dissolve a marriage in law.

The case, suit number HU/4D/2023, was brought by Ernest Ekpenyonh Emah against his wife, Grace Ernest Emah.

The judge said Ernest failed to plead or prove the facts needed under Sections 15(2)(c) and 16(1) of the Matrimonial Causes Act.

He added that simply saying the marriage has broken down beyond repair is not enough without evidence of the legal grounds.

Grace's lawyer, Godwin Edoho, welcomed the decision and praised the judge.