Abeokuta, Ogun State – In a press conference held on Thursday, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, vehemently refuted claims circulating on social media regarding a two-day-old baby who was said to have gone missing after being handed over to government officials. The confusion arose after a viral video featured a woman asserting that she found the baby abandoned in Sayedero Market in the Yewa South area of the state.
Adeleye clarified the lawful process involved in taking custody of abandoned children, stating that once a child is discovered, they must be immediately taken to the police. The police then issue a formal extract, transferring the child to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, a procedure that was duly followed in this case.
“There’s a clear process for handling abandoned children,” Adeleye emphasized. “This process was fully adhered to, ensuring the child's protection.”
In addressing the allegations, Adeleye explained that the woman, after voluntarily surrendering the two-day-old male infant to authorities, began making demands for financial assistance from various local politicians, claiming to have incurred expenses exceeding ₦120,000 on the child’s care.
“She named the child, gave him a haircut, and even took him for vaccinations before handing him over,” Adeleye noted, asserting that the woman’s subsequent actions appeared to be an attempt to manipulate public sentiment and solicit funds from the government.
“The Ministry is fully funded by Governor Dapo Abiodun and does not engage in soliciting funds using children,” she stated firmly.
Adeleye further underscored the legal position regarding the custody of the child, asserting that once a child is handed over to government authorities, the rescuer forfeits any legal claim to the child's welfare. “Let it be clear: that baby is now the responsibility of the Ogun State Government — specifically, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s child — until the biological parents are found,” she added.
Regarding adoption protocols, Adeleye cautioned the public against circumventing established legal frameworks, noting that only the Ministry, through its Department of Social Welfare, has the authority to process and approve adoptions. “No orphanage or individual has the right to arrange for a child’s adoption. Anyone caught flouting this law will face charges of abduction,” she warned.
Addressing the issue of orphanages, Adeleye revealed that licenses for all orphanage homes in the state had been revoked due to various irregularities. However, she stated that over 30 orphanages have reapplied and are currently undergoing scrutiny to fulfill the necessary requirements for operation.
Since her assumption of office, Adeleye confirmed that four children have been legally adopted while over 100 adoption applications are currently being processed. She also clarified that, due to personal circumstances, she herself could not adopt a child as priority is given to childless families.
Concluding her address, Adeleye reassured the public of the baby's safety and care under the government's provisions. She also stated that there are plans to reimburse the woman’s verified expenses while continuing efforts to trace the biological parents of the child.
The Commissioner urged the public to remain calm and trust in the government's handling of the situation, emphasizing the importance of following legal protocols in matters concerning child welfare.
