Ajayi Family Dispute: Court Declares Adenike Sole Surviving Spouse

A court has declared Adenike as the sole legally recognized widow of the late Dr Ajayi, effectively dismissing claims by former beauty queen Helen Prest in a long-running dispute over the deceased’s marital status and estate.

The judgment was delivered after the court examined conflicting claims regarding the validity of marriages allegedly contracted with the late Dr Ajayi before his death.

In its ruling, the court held that only Adenike met the legal requirements to be recognized as the lawful spouse of the deceased, thereby entitling her to full spousal rights under the law.

The court further described Helen Prest’s claim as unsupported by sufficient legal documentation, concluding that she could not be recognized as a lawful wife of the late doctor.

The dispute, which has attracted public attention due to the social prominence of the parties involved, centered on questions of marriage validity, documentation, and customary versus statutory recognition.

Legal experts say the ruling underscores the importance of proper registration and legal compliance in marriage contracts, particularly in inheritance-related disputes.

Counsel to Adenike welcomed the judgment, describing it as a fair affirmation of her legal status as the only surviving spouse of the deceased.

Efforts to reach representatives of Helen Prest for comment were not immediately successful at the time of filing this report.

The ruling effectively resolves the marital aspect of the estate battle, although legal analysts note that further proceedings may still be required to finalize the distribution of assets belonging to the late Dr Ajayi.