Legal tussle: Ogu gets partial custody of daughter Ivanna

Super Eagles midfielder John Ogu has been granted partial custody of his daughter Ivanna Ogu.

Ogu and his wife Veronica who had an impressive court wedding at the Ikoyi Registrar in 2015 unfortunately watched as the union gradually ran into troubled waters and finally leading to legal battle.

Lagos State High Court in Igbosere (Family and Probate Division) under Justice M. A. Savage ruled Monday that Ogu could stay with Ivanna during the summer Vacation (July to August), Easter, Christmas and New Year holidays.

The judge ruled on a motion on notice filed on Ogu’s behalf by the firm of Olumide Babalola LP. The order is to subsist pending the hearing and determination of the divorce petition.

Veronica had opposed the application, praying the court to refuse to grant Ogu partial custody.

Justice Savage held that a father is obliged to cater for his child. “That is trite law,” he held.

He added: “From the totality of processes before me, I believe the applicant as the father is imposing on himself his natural obligation, which will be granted as the facts satisfy a grant of such sought interlocutory orders.”

The judge also directed the respondent to provide Ogu with the school/creche’s account details for the payment of the baby’s school fees.

The court granted an interlocutory order prohibiting Veronica from changing Ivanna’s school without Ogu’s written consent. Ogu is also to pay for the baby’s health insurance, while her American and international passports are to be submitted to the court for safekeeping.

It was however not all sweet melody for Ogu as Justice Savage directed Ogu to make a monthly payment of N400,000 by the 6th of every month “without delay or default” for the child’s upkeep.  The judge, however, said Veronica could take the child outside Lagos but not outside Nigeria.

“Whenever the passports are required, a formal application on notice should be made for their release. I so rule,” the judge added.