Adultery is the most common reason divorce-seeking spouses have stated for the dissolution of their marriages, according to Bukola Ajayi, a legal practitioner.
“Ninety-five percent of those seeking divorce in court brought infidelity charges against their spouses,” she claimed in a Saturday interview in Lagos.
Adultery is the most difficult violation of trust to forgive in any relationship, she said, adding that infidelity has caused many marriages to fall apart.
Adultery is when a married individual engages in sexual activity or flirts with someone who is not his or her spouse.
“The devoted spouse will feel hurt, furious, and deceived, and divorce may be the only answer,” she says.
She highlighted a lack of closeness, an unhappy relationship, a lack of care, desertion, and infertility as causes for cheating spouses, but she argued that those factors did not justify adultery.
Mrs Ajayi explained, “Adulterous acts are just a way of life for certain people; no matter how much their husbands fulfil them in other areas, they would still cheat.”
While adultery is not a crime, it is frowned upon by several faiths and societies, according to the lawyer. “Adultery is ethically bad in some civilizations, whereas it is a sin in some religions.”
She counselled couples not to divorce because one of their partners had committed adultery.
“It’s important not to think of divorce as a solution to a failing marriage.” Your children will suffer as a result of your divorce. It will have an emotional and psychological impact on them.
“Do everything you can to save your relationship.” The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Life is full with trials and tribulations. Maintain a positive attitude about your wives and strive to recognise the good in them rather than the bad.
“Remember your wedding vows; you pledged to stay married forever,” Mrs Ajayi said, adding that marriage counselling was a viable alternative.
