Faith Nyasuguta
The recent marriage between a four-year-old girl and a 54-year-old man in Nigeria’s Bayelsa community has triggered controversy, sparking a closer examination of cultural practices and legal frameworks surrounding child rights.
The union, which took place on December 26, 2023, in the Akeddei community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa, was initially met with public outcry, leading to intervention by the Bayelsa Government.
The marriage was described by the community as a spiritual rite aimed at ‘untieing’ the duo, who were believed to be betrothed in their ‘previous lives’.
To address concerns, the Bayelsa Government summoned the parents of the girl, the 54-year-old man, the traditional ruler, and other participants to appear before the Gender Response Initiative Team (GRiT), including Dr. Dise Ogbise-Goddy, the Chairperson of GRiT, and Kizito Andah, the Bayelsa State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network.
Dr. Abayomi Alabi, Director of Child Rights International, shared insights after hearing from the child’s parents, the traditional ruler, and other rights groups. He mentioned that they were initially prepared to intervene to free the girl from perceived abuse but decided to halt their actions upon understanding the cultural context. According to Alabi, the explanation provided at the meeting helped defuse the tension surrounding the incident.
The community representatives, including the child’s father, Mr. Morris Aboma, the man, Mr. Akpos Napoleon, and the Paramount ruler, Chief Moneyman Binabo, explained that the so-called marriage was part of a cultural practice known as ‘Koripamo’.
In their culture, if a girl child is frequently ill, a man is required to pay a symbolic amount as a token to save her life. They emphasized that this was not an actual marriage but a traditional practice aimed at preserving the child’s life.
The community clarified that, after the ‘Koripamo’ ritual, the man who paid the token was not obligated to take the girl as his wife, and the practice did not prevent the girl from choosing her spouse when she reached marriage age. This information aligns with Ijaw tradition, where similar rites can also be conducted for boys.
Mr. Akpos Napoleon expressed regret over the public outrage, stating that his intention was solely to save the child’s life, as she is reportedly no longer sick. He highlighted that while such traditions had occurred previously, the December 26, 2023 event drew widespread attention and criticism.
Chief Moneyman Binabo, the paramount ruler of Akeddei community, admitted hearing about the marriage during the festivities but lacked full details until approached by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Sagbama Police Station.
Binabo clarified that the event was not a formal marriage but a fulfillment of a cultural practice. He expressed surprise at the girl’s demand for an elaborate celebration, including food, a canopy, and a music system, which went beyond typical ‘Koripamo’ practices.
Dr. James Omietimi at GRiT confirmed that the child is living a normal life with no ongoing relationship with the 54-year-old man. Following the meeting, Dr. Dise Ogbise-Goddy assured the public that the deliberation was frank and fruitful.
The Bayelsa Ministry of Women Affairs, Children, and Social Development, along with all stakeholders, will review the situation and make decisions considering both cultural traditions and legal safeguards for children.
The controversial marriage has ignited discussions about the intersection of cultural practices and modern legal frameworks, emphasizing the importance of informed dialogue and balanced solutions that respect both cultural traditions and human rights standards.
It also highlights the need for continuous efforts to raise awareness and enforce legal provisions safeguarding the rights of children.
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