In case of divorce, shot and played by Layi Wasabi alongside Yomi Blaq and Uzoamaka Onuoha, presents a satirical yet poignant examination of marriage, divorce, and the contentious role of legal experts in navigating these life-altering events. The narrative centers on Barrister, a self-proclaimed "expert in divorce proceedings," whose unconventional and highly proactive approach to his profession creates both initial discomfort and, eventually, a form of vindication. It focuses on a sharp dissection of marital fragility, the grim realities of domestic abuse, and the often-combative nature of legal separation, all while maintaining a comedic undertone.
The story begins with Barrister attending a wedding, where he approaches the bride, Uzoamaka Onuoha, not with customary felicitations, but with a business card. He introduces himself as a "divorce lawyer" and frames his service as a form of "insurance," to be utilized "just in case your marriage doesn't go the way you want it". This startling introduction, coupled with his assertion that "of the 50 marriages" he witnesses weekly, a significant number are prone to failure, paints him as a cynical yet perhaps pragmatic observer of human relationships. He even claims to possess a "prophetic gift," suggesting that some unions are inherently flawed from their inception, noting, "any plants that will be fruitful you will know from the seed that you used to plant it". His actions are met with widespread incredulity and offense, particularly from Uzoamaka, who initially perceives his presence and remarks as a "bad omen". Despite the palpable discomfort, Barrister maintains that his proactive approach is merely being "strategic".
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Years later, the "observation" the Barrister made about Uzoamaka’s marriage appears to have come to fruition. An enraged Uzoamaka confronts Barrister, accusing him of having "cost my marriage" and placing a "curse" on it. She vividly recalls his presence on her wedding day and the card he handed her, which now seems to embody an ill-fated prophecy. Barrister, however, steadfastly defends his position, clarifying that he merely made an "observation". He recounts witnessing Uzoamaka's husband, Jude, exhibiting a "hot temper" at the wedding, engaging in phone calls and appearing largely uninterested in the proceedings, behavior he interpreted as a clear precursor to future discord. He emphasizes, "I made an observation the day I entered this gate that I saw you taking pictures with your husband a man that was clearly not even interested in the wedding".
The confrontation rapidly transitions from accusation to a desperate plea for help as Uzoamaka unveils the grim reality of her marital breakdown. She tearfully confesses that Jude's "hot temper" escalated into physical violence, stating, "He started hitting me... before he kills me". This chilling admission not only highlights the severity of her predicament but also, in a way, validates Barrister's initial assessment of Jude's character. With Uzoamaka now determined to leave the marriage, Barrister seamlessly steps into his role as her legal advocate, assuring her, "Don't worry, we'll get you out of that marriage". However, he promptly introduces the financial aspect of his services, requesting "15% of everything we agree in court".
The subsequent mediation process is depicted as being rife with tension and open hostility. Jude, the husband, immediately exhibits aggressive and disrespectful behavior, disparaging his wife and Barrister with pejoratives like "greedy bitch" and accusing Barrister of originating from "generational poverty". He flippantly dismisses his acts of physical abuse, claiming they "only happened twice" and that he was "very emphatic about the fact that I was sorry". Jude vehemently resists any division of assets, declaring that if his wife desires "half of what I work for my heart and money," she will "have to fight for it" in court. Barrister, undeterred by Jude's aggression, readily accepts the challenge, affirming, "That is my own work, I know how to fight people for their property".
Ultimately, Barrister successfully represents Uzoamaka in court. The legal proceedings conclude favorably for Uzoamaka, with the court granting her the marital home, a testament to Barrister's legal acumen. Uzoamaka expresses profound gratitude, hailing him as a "savior," though Barrister humbly attributes the success to God. She acknowledges that she "should have listened to you" earlier, now referring to Jude as "nothing but a toothless dog". Following the divorce, however, Jude violates a restraining order and illegally returns to the house, defiantly questioning, "You think I'm going to let that judge tell me what I can or cannot do in my own home?". He trivializes Uzoamaka's contributions to their shared wealth, suggesting she merely "kept your home". Barrister, now referred to by Uzoamaka as "Deputy Body Law," intervenes once more, forcefully removing Jude from the property while reminding him of the restraining order. His parting words to Jude, "bullies need bigger bullies," encapsulate his resolute approach to justice, cementing his role as a "hero" in Uzoamaka's personal narrative. The episode concludes with Barrister enjoying the fruits of his success, celebrating with Uzoamaka and suggesting lunch, thereby highlighting the transactional yet profoundly impactful nature of his professional assistance
