Bayelsa Govt Summons Parents Of Four-year-old bride, 54-year-old Groom

The Bayelsa State Government has summoned the parents of a four-year-old bride and the 54-year-old groom. 

This followed the viral media reports of the marriage between the girl and the man, identified as Elder Akpos, with the consent of the girl’s parents.

News Rider reported that the traditional marriage rites between the bride and the quinquagenarian took place on December 26, 2023, at Akeddei community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state. 

But in a statement issued on Saturday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state government described the marriage as illegal union. 

It was jointly signed by the Director, Child Development at the state Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Development, Mr Paniebi Jacob; and Chairman, Gender Response Initiative Team, Dr. Dise Ogbise-Goddy. 

The government noted that the illegal marriage was not based on tradition and customs, saying that it was repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience.

It pointed out that it would not support child marriage under any guise.

The government informed that they received a formal complaint from a Child Rights Advocacy Group, DO Foundation on the controversial marriage.

It was also revealed that Bayelsa  government did not hesitate to assent to the passage of the Bayelsa State Child Rights Law.

“We are taking steps to rescue the child from all the key actors in this illegal ceremony that they tagged a mere spiritual affair.

“The law is clear on issues of tradition and customs that are repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience. Working with the Bayelsa State Police Command, we shall ensure incidents like this do not occur in the state again.

“On behalf of the governor of Bayelsa State, we express our gratitude to all the non-governmental organisations, including the International Federation of Women Lawyers and DO Foundation that have risen to the rescue of this innocent child.

“Bayelsa State is children-friendly and this case will be pursued to a logical conclusion,” it added.

In addition, the state Human Rights Commission revealed that the traditional ruler of the Akeddei community honoured the government’s invitation and promised to produce the child, her parents, the groom, the youth leader and the chairman of the Community Development Committee.