A family court in Akure has overruled an Alpha’s planned marriage plans to a 16-year old girl.
Reports say the cleric, also known already has 8 wives before approaching the parents of the 16 year old secondary school to ask her hand in marriage.
Alhaji Yusuf Lateef, who is a muslim leader in Ore, Ondo State negotiated the marriage with the girl’s parents in spite of her protests.
When the parents remained adamant, the girl fled her family home on the wedding day, with the help of her brother.
Sympathisers advised her to report the development to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. She was thereafter sheltered by the ministry who also had the Ministry of Justice sue the cleric and the parents.
Having heard the case, the 3-man panel of judges led by Justice Aderemi Adegoroye ordered the parents to take her back and give her the education she deserves. They also ordered the muslim cleric to keep away from her.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Titilola Adeyemi hailed the court’s verdict as “victory for children in Ondo State.
Speaking on behalf of women, an elated Adeyemi added that “we are excited the matter has gone that way. That will be a warning to everybody that it is NO to child marriage in Ondo State. Child marriage is denying a child her future. We must make sure we work for the child to realise her future.”
The 16 year old girl has since been handed back to her parents.
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