The Chairman of the Multi‑Stakeholder Action Committee on Gender‑Based Violence (GBV) Prevention, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, the Orangun of Oke‑Ila Orangun, warned that protecting women and girls is “non‑negotiable.” Speaking at a convention of traditional rulers convened by ActionAid Nigeria, the Osun State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare, and the GBV prevention committee, the monarch urged his peers to become active champions of change rather than silent custodians of harmful customs.
The gathering, held at the Osun State Secretariat in Abere, focused on the role of traditional rulers as custodians of culture and as frontline leaders in the fight against gender‑based violence. Oba Abolarin highlighted recent community engagements that addressed violence, silence, accountability and protection, noting a measurable rise in awareness and positive behavioural shifts. Yet he cautioned that some locales still practice traditions that expose women and children to abuse and exploitation.
“Women and girls in our communities are watching,” he said. “Harmful practices persist when we remain silent, but they end when we act decisively.” He called on fellow monarchs to transform palaces into safe havens, to collaborate across the state, and to use their influence to eradicate GBV.
Representing the Ooni of Ife, Oba Muraina Adebanjo Adedini, Asoya of the Ile‑Isoya Kingdom, described gender‑based violence as one of the most serious challenges confronting society, warning that it undermines peace and the moral fabric of communities. He urged traditional leaders to promote peaceful coexistence, emphasising education and value‑orientation as key tools for prevention.
ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, was represented by Kehinde Arowosegbe, who noted that the organization’s programme has turned many traditional rulers from passive observers into active advocates. Community structures now exist to support victims and deter abuse, strengthening local resilience against harmful social norms.
In a keynote address, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi Bada, speaking through his representative Tijani Adekilekun Kareem, stressed that culture must never be invoked to justify violence. He outlined recent governmental measures, including the strengthening of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, aimed at ensuring justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare, Ayobola Awolowo, represented by Lola Adewale, called for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders. Other speakers, such as Funmilayo Abdullahi, highlighted the health and social consequences of practices like female genital mutilation, reiterating the need for comprehensive community education.
The convention underscored a growing consensus that traditional institutions can no longer remain neutral in the battle against gender‑based violence. By leveraging cultural authority to champion protection and accountability, the leaders in Osun State aim to set a precedent for other regions confronting similar challenges. Continued multi‑sectoral cooperation and reinforced legal frameworks are expected to drive further progress in safeguarding women and girls across Nigeria.
