He said that such tradition had been going on but it had not been elaborately celebrated with fanfare like the Dec. 26, 2023 event which drew widespread reactions and outrage.
“But since she says if I don’t do what she says she will die, I had to look for money and do it since it involves life; as it is, I am frustrated by this whole issue,” Napoleon lamented.
The paramount ruler of Akeddei community, Binabo said he heard of a marriage in the community during the festivities.
The traditional ruler said that he did not, however have full details, not until the DPO of Sagbama Police Station asked him to produce those that got married in the community.
Binabo further said he had to invite the parents of the little girl to get detailed information of what happened on the marriage day.
He said the parents told him that the little girl had been sick and that one Napoleon had to drop a symbolic amount.
He emphasised that what happened in Akeddei community was not a formal marriage but a fulfilment of a cultural practice.
He, however, said that what surprised him was the demand of the little girl for an elaborate ceremony involving foods, canopy and a sound system be hired to celebrate the marriage.
The paramount ruler noted further that the man who paid the token on the girl was not expected to take her home to live as husband and wife, nor stop the girl from marrying any other person of her choice when she got old enough to marry. READ ALSO:
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On their parts, Andah and Boco said from the submission of the parents of the little girl, the ‘husband’ and the paramount ruler of Akeddei community, what happened was not a formal marriage but a cultural practice known as “Koripamo”.
The duo noted that from the information gathered, the little girl had not been sexually abused as confirmed by Dr James Omietimi at GRIT office and that the child was living a normal life with no relationship with the 54-year-old.
Immediately after the meeting, Chairman of GRIT , Ogbise-Goddy stated that the deliberation was frank and fruitful and promised to give further update on the matter.
She said that the Bayelsa Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Development and all stakeholders would review the situation and take a decision.
“Like I had stated earlier, the Bayelsa State Government is child-friendly and will do anything to protect all the children of the state from any form of perceived abuse,” Ogbise-Goddy said (NAN)
