Senator Ayo Akinyelure representing Ondo Central Senatorial
District in the National Assembly was said to have wept publicly for being the
only senator from the South-West that supported the inclusion of underage girl
marriage in the constitution.
“I voted in error. I can never in my life support under age
marriage. Whatever this might have caused my people, please, forgive me,”
Akinyelure reportedly begged while prostrating before leaders of the councils
he represents who had summoned him to explain his action.
“I will do whatever is humanly possible at my disposal to ensure
that this thing is removed from the constitution.”
Sources said Akinyelure tried to address a tough crowd at the
meeting which took place at Adegbemile Hall and was witnessed by
leaders of the ruling Labour Party including commissioners representing the six
councils in the state executive council.
He said there was a misinterpretation of the vote on his part as
what he voted for was that whether a married woman is deemed to be of full age
to renounce her Nigerian citizenship and not whether a woman can marry before
attaining the age of 18 years.
“I cannot vote in support of child marriage. I cannot support an
under-age to go and marry, it is against our culture and customs,” he said
“If voting were to be done by show of hands, I would have been
able to correct my error before the voting was concluded by the Senate.”
But the women leaders across the six council areas were said to
have still disowned him and asked him to renounce his position.
“We say no to child marriage, it is worse than child abuse, we
wonder why he would support the action, can a ten year old girl face the
challenges of marriage.”
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