Traditional leaders urged to take the lead in combating gender-based violence

Oba Adedokun Abolarin, the Orangun of Oke‑Ila Orangun and Chairman of the Multi‑Stakeholder Action Committee on Gender Based Violence Prevention, stated that safeguarding women and girls is non‑negotiable.

He further emphasized that traditional leaders should serve as guardians of preservation, warning that culture must never be invoked to excuse silence, injustice or harmful practices.

The remarks were delivered at the Osun State convention of traditional rulers for gender‑based violence prevention, held on Tuesday at the Osun State Secretariat in Abere.

ActionAid Nigeria, together with the Osun State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare and the Multi‑Stakeholder Action Committee on Gender‑Based Violence Prevention, organized the gathering to reinforce anti‑GBV initiatives in the state.

He highlighted that the convention’s theme focused on the duties of traditional rulers as custodians of culture, calling on them to take intentional actions to eradicate gender‑based violence in their communities.

The monarch explained that stakeholders had organized community engagements that addressed violence, silence, accountability, and protection, resulting in heightened awareness and constructive behavioural shifts.

He also acknowledged that certain communities continue to practice harmful traditions that endanger women and children