By Promise Erukakpomre
Chief Johnbull Ejovi, Friday said the marriage between him and Mrs Emily Ejovi has broken down irretrievably.
Ejovi in a statement, titled legal notice/disclaimer signed by himself, said: “I wish to inform the general public that I was married to one Emily Ejovi (nee Apiloko) under the Urhobo native law and custom.
“That there was no children from the aforesaid marriage.
“That the marriage has broken down irretrievably as the said Emily has moved out of the house.
“That both families met and the dowry paid was returned by her family to me on the 30th day of October 2021.
“That she is no longer Emily Ejovi but Emily Apiloko. Please general public take notice. ”
Recall that Chief Johnbull Ejovi had about a month ago, said the two children purportedly given birth to by Emily either by adoption or surrogacy were not his children.
Effort made to reach Emily for comment on the matter proved abortive as at press time. Meanwhile, Emily Ejovi now Emily Apiloko in a her statement to the Police obtained by newsmen, said: “I confirm that my husband and I discussed the possibility of using a surrogate to have a child or children, as we are unable to do so without medical or other support. We previously undertook 4 IVF courses, which were unsuccessful, so surrogacy was an appealing option;
“I’m 48 years old, my husband is 66, although he had been blessed with (6) grown up children from previous relationships. I have no children of my own and desire to;
“Unfortunately there were aspects of the surrogacy arrangement which were not sufficiently or adequately explained to the satisfaction of my husband. As a result, he withdrew his consent, and I decided to pursue this goal on my own as I desire to have a child or children of my own, with or without the support of my husband, although I would have preferred his full and unfettered support;
“My singular efforts in this regard were successful with the birth of two children: Christian Maro Apiloko and Chritabel Oromena Apiloko, both born on 7 June 2021 at EMobile Specialist Hospital, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria;
“I love my husband, but I’m prepared to follow through on my desire to have children of my own, and I confirm by this Statement that he is not involved and bears no responsibility or liability for the surrogacy arrangement in which I was involved for the birth of my said children.
“I make this Statement to the best of my knowledge believing the same to be true”.
