Divorce: Toke Makinwa, Maje Ayida’s lawyers begin battle over ‘On Becoming’ case

‘On Becoming’, the tell-all memoir by Toke Makinwa was the central topic at the resumed hearing of the divorce petition she filed against estranged husband Maje Ayida.

Makinwa had filed for divorce from Ayida in March 2016, citing irreconcilable differences.

During the hearing on Tuesday at the Lagos high court, Igbosere, Makinwa was represented by L&A legal practitioners while T. Lawal held brief for Ayida.

The court session started with the claimant, Makinwa, being invited to the dock for cross-examination by her lawyer.

As her cross-examination began, Ayida’s counsel objected, saying the book, ‘On Becoming’, should not be referred to.

Lawal said it was not pertinent to cross-examine the claimant about the book, noting that it is “unnecessary at this moment”.

Lawyer to the claimant responded by saying that the book has something to do with the claim and that “it is material and necessary”.

The presiding judge, justice Obadina, overruled the motion of Ayida’s lawyer, giving the green light for Makinwa to be asked questions relating to the book.

Thereafter, Ayida’s lawyer kept interjecting with an objection to every question asked of Makinwa.

Due to Lawal’s incessant objections, Toke could not answer any of the questions posed to her.

The court session ended about 15 minutes later as the judge adjourned the case to July 10 for the final hearing.

Among others, Makinwa had claimed that Ayida had extra-marital affairs while they were married and that despite his inability to make money available for their home, he was able to finance the birth of his child with Anita Solomon.

Some of the television star’s claims were replicated in the controversial book.

Ayida has said that most of what was written about him in ‘On Becoming’ were false and has sued her for defamation.