Abstract
Paternity fraud has emerged as a critical social and legal issue in Nigeria, especially in Ondo State, where Yoruba traditions strongly value paternal lineage and inheritance. This study investigates the causes, effects, and preventive strategies related to paternity fraud. Guided by three research questions, the study employed a descriptive survey design, administering 200 questionnaires, with 178 valid responses (89% retrieval rate). Findings revealed that marital infidelity, secrecy, economic dependency, cultural pressures, weak legal structures, and fear of stigma are the primary causes of paternity fraud. The major effects include emotional trauma, family breakdown, financial exploitation, legal disputes, and social stigma. Respondents also identified challenges such as the high cost of DNA testing, inadequate legal support, and delays in court proceedings. To curb the menace, proposed solutions include subsidized DNA testing, stronger legal frameworks, public awareness campaigns, counseling services, and economic empowerment of women. The study emphasizes collaboration between government and communities through the establishment of DNA centers, involvement of traditional leaders, and cultural education. It concludes that paternity fraud is a multifaceted issue requiring legal, cultural, psychological, and economic interventions to preserve family stability, protect children, and foster social harmony in Ondo State and beyond.
Keywords
Paternity fraud, Ondo State, DNA Testing, Family Breakdown, Emotional Trauma, Legal Reforms, Cultural Traditions, Economic Dependency, Social Stigma, Counseling Services.
Citations
IRE Journals:
Ogunleye O. Festus "Curbing The Menace of Paternity Fraud in Ondo State" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 7 Issue 2 2023 Page 853-863 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV7I2-1713746
IEEE:
Ogunleye O. Festus
"Curbing The Menace of Paternity Fraud in Ondo State" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 7(2) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV7I2-1713746
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