Ogun Government Takes Custody of Abandoned Two-Day-Old Baby in Ilaro

The Ogun State Government has taken custody of a two-day-old baby abandoned by its mother at the Sayedero Market in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area.

The newborn was reportedly discovered last week by a local woman. However, controversy arose after videos circulated online claiming the baby had gone missing following the intervention of officials from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

Addressing the issue on Thursday, July 24, 2025, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, confirmed that the baby was safe and had been legally taken into protective custody by the government after proper documentation by the police.

Adeleye dismissed the viral claims as an attempt to mislead the public and emotionally blackmail the government. She also refuted claims that the woman who found the child would be allowed to adopt the baby.

“We don’t normally allow anyone who knows the history of an abandoned child to adopt him or her, in order to protect the child’s future,” she explained.

The commissioner further stated that the baby is now under the guardianship of the state, emphasizing that all rescued children in Ogun belong to the state government and are symbolically regarded as the children of the sitting governor.

“Any child found in Ogun State belongs to the government. That’s why, whenever we name them, their surname reflects the name of the current governor,” Adeleye said. “We’ve had children named Daniel, Amosun, and now Abiodun, depending on the administration under which they were rescued.”

She assured the public that the baby is receiving proper care and protection under the state’s welfare system.