Alake Of Egbaland Seeks End To Violence Against Women

The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, on Tuesday, called for an end to all forms of violence and abuse against women and girls, particularly wife battering, describing the act as one of cowardice rather than bravery.

Oba Gbadebo emphasized that women are special members of humanity and should be treated with respect and care within the family unit.

He urged men to be patient with their wives and daughters and to adopt healthy ways of resolving conflicts and arguments.

The monarch made these remarks during the maiden Town Hall meeting with custodians of culture on the role of men in protecting women and girls, hosted at his Ake Palace in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The event, organized by Women Radio 91.7FM with support from the Ford Foundation and the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation, carried the theme “Strengthening Family and Community Bonds.”

The meeting featured discussions and recommendations from traditional rulers, religious leaders, chiefs, opinion leaders, and youths on the causes of women and girl-child abuse and ways to eradicate it.

In a communique issued after the event, the meeting urged security agencies, particularly the police, to stop dismissing cases of domestic violence, including sexual and physical abuse, as “family affairs” and to take proper action in such cases.

The communique also recommended that any man who cannot protect women—whether his wife or daughters—should not consider marriage or fatherhood. It further called for a cultural ban on individuals with a history of abusing women and girls from receiving chieftaincy titles.

Additionally, the communique called for a revival of core family values in homes and the establishment of forums dedicated to resolving issues affecting women.

Earlier in his remarks, chairman of St Ives Communications Ltd, parent company of Women Radio 91.7FM, Dr. Babatunde Okewale, lamented in many homes and neighborhoods, women and girls were vulnerable to abuse, neglect and violence.

Okewale said the practice was not what was inherited from our forefathers who protected their women and girls, advising that this is not legacy that should be passed down to male children

He said, “As men, fathers, brothers, uncles, husbands and leaders, the responsibility of building strong families and safe communities rests on our shoulders. We cannot ignore the reality that in many of our homes and neighborhoods, women and girls are vulnerable to abuse, neglect and violence.

“This is not the culture we inherited. It is not the legacy we should pass down to our sons. Our forefathers built communities on respect discipline and protection of the family unit.

“Somewhere along the way, we have allowed certain harmful practices and attitudes to take root and It’s affecting homes, our marriages and the future of our children.”