Labake is a mentally- challenged teenage girl. Two years ago, someone took advantage of her condition, impregnated and abandoned her. As a result of this, she began to beg for food and money in order to survive.
The first time l saw her was in October 2020 when she strayed into my event and was being dragged out by security men when suddenly it caught the attention of Kafayat Oyetola, wife of Osun state governor who was my guest.
Thereafter, the governor’s wife took her to Oshogbo, rehabilited and took care of her until she delivered a baby and brought her back to Apomu, headquarters of Isokan local government area of the state.
Again in 2022, an unknown man whose name according to Labake is ‘Operator’ impregnated her and disappeared.
On Thursday November 3, l was told that Labake was at the Palace Gate.I thought it was her usual visit for support. I then directed one of my staff to take some items to her. The said staff returned with a paper, saying Labake was crying profusely.
The paper was the result of the scan which showed among other things that she had been due for delivery since October 24 and the baby’s lying position in her womb posed great danger to her life. The scan showed that the baby’s head was up instead of down.
Again, I told the security to allow her in. When l saw her, l didn’t need to be told that she was in great pain. l then two members of my medical team: Julius Edet and Moses Bello to come to the Palace from where they took her to a health centre. After payment was made for registration and tests, the officials said there was no doctor to attend to her. She was then moved to another health centre. There, the matron said Labake’s condition was beyond them, so was advised to be taken to a private hospital or general hospital Oluyoro in Ibadan because the only way she could give birth was through surgery.
For me Ibadan was not an option at all because of distance and gridlock as she may not survive it due to her condition.
I therefore called Goke Odetunde, chairman of the local government who responded immediately after l told him about the situation. He advised that the lady should be taken to a private hospital in a neighbouring community and thereafter paid the bill.
To the glory of Almighty God, the surgery was successful as she delivered a baby boy. Mother and child are alive today.
The journey to save Labake has not ended.I would like to rehabilitate and provide a secured shelter for her where she can acquire a skill or start a trade.
I however want to thank the chairman for the rapid response and kind gesture. Ny thanks also go to Julius and Moses for devoting their time and attention to be with Labake throughout her agonising hours.
I want to appeal to the men who kept talking advantage of her mental condition to sexually abuse and impregnate her to desist. If she were your sister or daughter, l do not think you would be happy if someone else does that to her.
Afolabi is a CNN award winning journalist, author and Queen of Apomu land.
