Traditional rulers in Osun State have taken a decisive stand against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with a pledge to use cultural institutions to protect vulnerable groups across the state.
The traditional monarchs pledged to champion the Osun State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, 2021, acknowledging that GBV undermines community development.
The monarchs made a declaration at the Osun State Convening of Traditional Rulers on Gender-Based Violence Prevention, organised by ActionAid Nigeria in partnership with the Osun State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare and the Multi-Stakeholder Action Committee on GBV Prevention.
The meeting brought together royal fathers, government officials, legal experts and gender advocates under the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Community Protection,” where participants discussed ways to address violence and harmful traditional practices.
Chairman of the Multi-Stakeholder Action Committee on Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Orangun of Oke-Ila Orangun, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, said protecting women and girls must be treated as a priority, insisting that traditional rulers must take active roles in addressing abuse in their communities.
Oba Abolarin said the protection of women and girls was “not negotiable,” and urged royal fathers to take responsibility beyond discussions.
He added that culture should not be used to justify harm.
“Women and girls in our communities are watching. Harmful practices can continue because traditional rulers remain silent, but they can come to an end when leadership acts decisively,” Oba Abolarin stated while urging royal fathers to move beyond attending meetings to taking concrete actions against gender-based violence.
He also said traditional rulers can no longer remain passive and called for stronger collaboration among monarchs to address abuse.
Representing the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Asoya of Ile-Isoya Kingdom, Oba Muraina Adebanjo Adedini, described gender-based violence as a major social challenge affecting families and communities.
He urged traditional rulers to use their positions to promote peace and ensure that palaces serve as places of protection and justice for vulnerable people.
Speaking on behalf of ActionAid Nigeria, Local Rights Programme Specialist Kehinde Arowosafe said the organisation remains focused on strengthening communities and addressing harmful social norms.
He noted that the Multistakeholder Action for Prevention of Gender-Based Violence Project, supported by the Ford Foundation, is aimed at changing community responses to violence against women and girls.
According to him, the initiative has led to the creation of GBV watch teams in some communities, the appointment of focal persons for case management and increased advocacy by religious leaders.
“Several traditional rulers had publicly declared zero tolerance for violence, while survivors who previously suffered in silence were now finding trusted pathways for seeking help and justice.”
“Communities respond positively whenever respected custodians of culture choose to speak boldly against violence.”
Arowosafe urged traditional rulers to take the lead in redefining cultural practices to protect women and girls.
“When custodians become champions, communities become safer. When leadership chooses justice, women and girls can live with dignity and hope,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, represented by Tijani Adekilekun Kareem, said culture must not be used as justification for violence.
He said the state government under Governor Ademola Adeleke has strengthened legal frameworks, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, Child Rights Law and Protection Against Domestic Violence Law.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare, Ayobola Awolowo, represented by Lola Adewale, described the engagement as important and commended government efforts on gender protection.
Gender advocate Funmilayo Abdullahi called for stronger action against female genital mutilation and other forms of abuse, saying no religion supports such practices.
She also condemned emotional, psychological and economic violence, adding that women should be treated as partners in marriage.
Responding, the Akire of Ikire-Ile, Oba Olatunbosun Adebamiji Abdulazeez, condemned harmful widowhood practices and traditions that promote abuse against women.
