OGUN STATE WOMEN AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER WARNS ORPHANAGES AGAINST UNAUTHORIZED CHILD ADOPTIONS
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By: Muftau Fatimo
The Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, has issued a stern warning to orphanage homes across the state against facilitating child adoptions without proper authorization from the government.
Adeleye emphasized that orphanages do not have the legal authority to give out children for adoption, warning that anyone involved in such practices would face strict legal consequences.
Addressing journalists at her office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the commissioner made it clear that any adoption carried out without the Ministry’s approval is null and void, and could be deemed an act of child trafficking or kidnapping.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, revealed that the government had previously revoked the licenses of several private orphanage homes due to irregularities and unethical practices. However, over 30 of them reapplied after meeting the required conditions.
“At a point this year, we had to revoke all licenses of private homes after uncovering misconduct, including collusion between some ministry staff and certain orphanages,” Adeleye stated.
She emphasized that no orphanage or private home has the legal authority to place a child up for adoption without going through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
“If a home has a child eligible for adoption, they must contact the ministry. Only the Department of Social Welfare is legally empowered to handle child adoptions,” she stressed, warning that any unauthorized action in this regard amounts to child trafficking or kidnapping.
Adeleye also outlined the adoption process in the state, clarifying that the entire procedure costs less than ₦500,000.
“The adoption process in Ogun State costs under ₦500,000. Applicants fill out a form, and once a suitable child becomes available, the ministry contacts them. The legal process then follows, including a 21-day publication, leading to a temporary order and, eventually, a final adoption order.”
She called on the public to report cases of injustice, gender-based violence, or children seen roaming the streets to the ministry or the nearest police station.
“In some cases, we’re able to reunite children with their families. For those we can’t, the government is fully prepared to care for them, send them to school, and secure a better future,” she added.
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