Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, has taken a bold step that has drawn national attention: she has filed a lawsuit to prevent a controversial proposal by Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly. The speaker stirred up controversy last week when he declared that he would support the marriages of one hundred females in his Maringa seat.
On May 24, the speaker is supposed to pay for the marriages of one hundred girls, some of whom are orphans because of continuous armed conflict. In addition, Sarkin-Daji promised to pay the bridegrooms’ dowries and supply the event’s supplies. But there was instant criticism of the statement, therefore Sarkin-Daji clarified that his function was solely that of financial support and not forcing anyone into marriage.
Even with these explanations, the minister has expressed strong disapproval, calling the scheme completely unacceptable. Kennedy-Ohanenye expressed her worries about the effects of the event on the future of the young women engaged at a press conference in Abuja. She underlined that rather than pushing the girls into marriage, it is crucial to give their educational and career demands top priority.
Kennedy-Ohanenye has filed a formal petition with the Inspector-General of Police, seeking a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the scheduled event, in addition to taking the matter to court. She wants to know the prospective bridegrooms’ identities, their ages, and whether the females involved have given their approval to the marriages.
The minister also emphasized the dedication of her ministry to take steps to guarantee these girls’ brighter futures. She declared that she would take charge of their training in school and for their career. Kennedy-Ohanenye underlined the ministry’s commitment to providing people with the knowledge and resources necessary for long-term self-reliance, saying, “We are prepared to provide schooling for those who are eager to continue their education and offer vocational training for others.”
Kennedy-Ohanenye’s efforts show a brave approach to upholding Nigeria’s Child’s Right Act, which requires the defense and protection of children’s rights and futures. She threatened to launch a “major legal battle” if the speaker tried to carry out his plans without consulting her ministry.
This legal dispute highlights the continuous conflict in Nigeria between customary law and contemporary legal norms pertaining to women’s rights and child welfare. All eyes are on this high-stakes legal struggle as the court date draws near. The outcome might have a big impact on the nation’s ability to safeguard vulnerable populations and enforce its child protection laws.
A wider conversation on the government’s role in interfering with cultural customs that can violate national laws and the rights of people, particularly vulnerable children and young women, has been initiated by the minister’s strong stance on this matter. As the case progresses, it will surely set an example for how instances of this nature are handled going forward, emphasizing the complex relationship that exists between custom, law, and individual rights in modern Nigeria.
