The Ogun State Government has taken custody of a two-day-old baby abandoned by its mother in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area.
The infant was reportedly discovered last week at the Sayedero Market in Ilaro by a woman. However, controversy soon followed after two viral videos surfaced, in which the woman alleged that the baby went missing after officials from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development intervened.
On Thursday, July 24, 2025, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, confirmed that the baby is safely in government custody. She dismissed the claims of the baby’s disappearance, clarifying that the child was formally taken in following proper documentation by the police.
Adeleye criticized the woman’s actions, describing them as an attempt to emotionally manipulate the public and tarnish the government's image. She also refuted claims that the woman had plans to adopt the child, stating that individuals who know the background of a rescued baby are typically not considered for adoption due to future concerns.
According to Adeleye, the baby is now under the care of Governor Dapo Abiodun, whom she referred to as the "father of all rescued children" in the state.
"In Ogun State, any abandoned child is considered a child of the government. That’s why, during naming ceremonies, these children often take the surname of the serving governor," she explained.
She noted that this tradition predates the current administration, with some children previously bearing surnames like Daniel or Amosun, in reference to past governors.
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