The alleged marriage between a four-year-old girl and a 54-year-old man in the Akeddei community of Sagbama Local Government Area in Bayelsa has sparked controversy, with the child’s parents defending the ceremony as a traditional rite to save their daughter’s life.
The parents, along with the 54-year-old man, a traditional ruler, and others involved in the event, faced scrutiny from the Bayelsa Government’s Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT) following public outcry.
During the meeting, the father of the toddler, Mr. Morris Aboma, and the “groom,” Mr. Akpos Napoleon, explained that the ceremony was a cultural practice known as “Koripamo,” performed to address the child’s recurring illnesses. They clarified that this ritual required a symbolic amount to be paid by a man to save the child’s life and was not a formal marriage.
Representatives from the Akeddei community emphasized that the ceremony did not involve the man taking the girl as his wife, and it would not prevent her from marrying someone of her choice in the future. They highlighted that the rite, performed during the December 26, 2023 event, was a customary practice specific to their community.
Mr. Napoleon expressed regret over the public outcry, stating that he participated in the ceremony solely to save the child’s life, as she is reportedly no longer suffering from the severe illnesses.
The paramount ruler of Akeddei community, Chief Moneyman Binabo, corroborated the explanation, clarifying that the ritual was not a formal marriage but a fulfillment of a cultural practice. He further mentioned the unexpected demand from the little girl for an elaborate celebration involving food, canopy, and a sound system.
The GRIT team, including Dr. Dise Ogbise-Goddy and Kizito Andah, clarified that based on their investigation, the event was not a formal marriage, and the child had not been sexually abused. Dr. James Omietimi at the GRIT office confirmed that the child was leading a normal life with no relationship with the 54-year-old man.
Chairman of GRIT, Ogbise-Goddy, assured that the Bayelsa Ministry of Women Affairs, Children, and Social Development, along with stakeholders, would review the situation and make informed decisions. She emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting children from any perceived abuse, reaffirming Bayelsa’s child-friendly stance.
