The case of Janet Dada, a middle-aged woman from Ikirin, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State, has stirred a heated discussion on the interplay between spiritual beliefs and medical science. Dada claims she has been carrying a pregnancy since 2016, despite medical scans consistently showing no baby, only fluid in her abdomen.
Speaking to WNTV, Dada recounted that multiple ultrasound scans failed to confirm a pregnancy. “Each time I visited the hospital, they always told me I was carrying fluid, not a baby,” Dada explained. However, she holds firm to her belief, supported by various spiritual consultations, that she is indeed pregnant.
A group of concerned netizens running the X account “Inside Osogbo” rallied support for her, seeking medical help and relief from the social stigma she faces. They posted an appeal calling for assistance and expressing empathy for Dada’s ongoing struggle. However, despite an offer from a team of doctors to perform a free surgery, Dada declined based on advice from her religious leaders, who discouraged a surgical procedure.
Medical professionals strongly refute the possibility of an eight-year pregnancy. Consultant obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Oluseyi Atanda explained, “It is not scientifically possible for a woman to carry a pregnancy beyond 44 weeks. The placenta is programmed to die after 43 weeks.” Dr. Atanda suggested that Dada’s case could be a mental health issue, often seen in cases where women misinterpret fibroid growth as pregnancy.
Similarly, Dr. Segun Babatunde, former general manager of Osun State Emergency Medical Services, urged Dada to trust medical advice, expressing concern that her spiritual advisors may be misleading her. “No woman can carry a pregnancy for eight years,” Babatunde emphasized.
However, renowned Ifa priest Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that in rare cases of a spiritual nature, a woman might carry a pregnancy for an extended period, though eight years would be “extremely unusual.” He cited the case of former Ogun State governor Ibikunle Amosun, who allegedly remained in his mother’s womb for over three years, attributing such cases to potential spiritual influences.
Elebuibon advised Dada to either seek a spiritual resolution if she believes she is under a spell or proceed with a cesarean section if medical evidence confirms the absence of a fetus.
The debate underscores the challenges at the intersection of spirituality and medical science, highlighting the importance of clear communication between medical professionals and those with strong traditional beliefs.
