Tragedy in Ibadan: Newborn dies after forced female genital mutilation as parents flee for safety

A young couple is in hiding after their newborn daughter died from complications following a forced Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) ritual carried out by family members in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Olalekan Taofeek Adesanya and his partner, Esther Sedode Egbeton, welcomed their baby girl, Titilayo Adesanya, on June 18, 2020, at Adesanya’s family house in Elebu, Ido Local Government Area.

However, just a week later, in line with family tradition, the child was subjected to FGM despite the parents’ concerns.

The practice, deeply rooted in the family’s customs, had previously led to the loss of other infants, but the tradition persisted. On June 25, 2020, Titilayo underwent the procedure, which caused severe bleeding.

Despite signs of distress, family elders insisted that traditional herbal concoctions would heal her. By June 30, her condition had worsened, leading her parents to rush her to Jericho Hospital, where doctors confirmed she had lost too much blood. Tragically, she passed away on July 3, 2020.

Determined to seek justice, Adesanya reported the case to the police. However, his uncles—who had overseen the procedure—were enraged, accusing him of betraying their long-standing tradition.

As tensions escalated, the family barred him from attending his daughter’s burial and later threatened him and his partner. Fearing for their lives, the couple fled Ibadan after a police officer discreetly warned them that their safety was at risk.

Despite the report, no legal action has been taken against those responsible. The couple now remains in hiding, fearing retaliation from their own family while struggling to find justice for their daughter’s death.

FGM remains a deeply entrenched practice in parts of Nigeria, despite laws prohibiting it. Human rights activists continue to call for stricter enforcement and community education to prevent further tragedies like Titilayo’s.

For now, Adesanya and Egbeton can only hope that their story sparks change, ensuring no other family suffers the same fate.