The Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, has refuted viral claims circulating on social media that a rescued two-day-old baby went missing after being handed over to government officials.
Speaking with journalists in Abeokuta on Thursday, Adeleye clarified that the male infant was taken into protective custody by the Ministry following standard procedures and proper documentation by the police—contrary to misleading reports online.
“There is a clear process for handling abandoned babies,” she explained. “Once a child is found, the police must be notified. They issue an extract and officially transfer custody to the Ministry. This process was strictly followed in this case.”
The controversy arose after a video went viral showing a woman who claimed she discovered the baby at Sayedero Market in Yewa South Local Government Area. In the video, the woman alleged she was unaware of the child’s whereabouts after following the vehicle that took him.
Commissioner Adeleye, however, revealed that the woman voluntarily handed over the child but later began making demands and seeking monetary support from prominent individuals, including Sunday Ibadan, Senator Solomon Olamilekan (Yayi), and Ibrahim Dende.
“She claimed she had spent over ₦120,000 on the baby and demanded compensation,” Adeleye said. “Before handing the baby over, she had already named him, taken him for a haircut, and even for vaccination.”
Adeleye described the woman’s actions as an attempt to manipulate public sentiment and falsely portray the government in a negative light.She firmly stated that, “The Ministry, under the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, is fully funded and does not use children to solicit funds.”
The Commissioner urged the public to disregard the rumours and assured that the baby is safe under the care of the appropriate authorities.
