Ogun Government Warns Orphanages Against Illegal Adoptions, Labels Unauthorized Practices as Child Trafficking

The Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, has issued a stern warning to orphanage homes across the state, cautioning them against facilitating adoptions without the express approval of the government.

Speaking to journalists at her office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Adeleye emphasized that no orphanage or private home has the legal authority to place a child for adoption. She declared that any such unauthorized action would be treated as child trafficking or kidnapping, with offenders facing severe legal consequences.

The commissioner revealed that the state government had previously revoked the licenses of all private orphanage homes after uncovering serious irregularities and collusion between some ministry staff and the homes. However, over 30 homes have since reapplied and been re-evaluated before having their licenses restored.

“We discovered disturbing practices earlier this year, prompting us to revoke all licenses temporarily. All affected homes had to go through a rigorous re-approval process,” she explained. “No adoption is valid unless it goes through the Ministry of Women Affairs. Only the Department of Social Welfare is legally empowered to oversee child adoptions.”

Adeleye clarified that the adoption process in Ogun State is transparent and affordable, with the total cost not exceeding N500,000. She outlined that the legal procedure includes form completion, matching with an adoptable child, a 21-day public notice, and the issuance of temporary and then final adoption orders.

She also encouraged citizens to report cases of injustice, gender-based violence, or unsupervised children on the streets, either to the ministry or the nearest police station.

“In some cases, we can reunite the children with their families. When that’s not possible, the government is fully capable of supporting them, ensuring they receive education and a promising future,” Adeleye assured.