A Non governmental organization,
Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation, ENWAF has joined other Child Rights Advocacy groups in Bayelsa State to vehemently kick against the December 26th, 2023 traditional marriage between a Four year old girl and a 54 year old man at Akeddei community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the State.
Chief Executive Officer of ENWAF, Lady Eunice Nnachi described the marriage as illegal and criminal, stressing that it is totally unacceptable for a minor to be given out for marriage under any circumstances or guise.
Lady Nnachi applauded the intervention of the Bayelsa State Government through the Gender Response Initiative Team, GRIT, describing it is as a step in the right direction.
The state government, which frowned at the development, also expressed concern over the “illegal marriage” based on tradition and customs, saying it was repugnant to natural justice, equity, and good conscience.
We gathered that the traditional ruler of Akeddei community has 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 (CDC).
It would be recalled that the illegal marriage between the Four year old girl and the 54 year old man identified as Elder Akpos was at the instance of the girl’s parents claiming that the 54 year old man was her husband in their previous life.
According to Community sources, the girl claimed that the man was her husband who died mysteriously in their previous life, and that over the years, she has been moving from place to place, to be birthed under different parents, searching for her former husband.
The girl also claimed that if the marriage rite is not observed as agreed in their first life, the man himself will not be able to marry and achieve any success in life, while she will die and not have any business with Akeddei community again.
