The Standup for Women Society (SWS) has confirmed that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has accepted to serve as its National Patron (Life).

The organisation also stated that the Oore of Otun Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, has agreed to serve as the South West Patron.

SWS International President, Deborah Ijadele-Adetona, a lawyer, led a delegation of the society on visits to the palaces of the two traditional rulers, where the appointments were formally acknowledged.

In a statement signed by Ijadele-Adetona, the organisation described the development as a significant step in its institutional growth, noting that the patronage would provide moral support to its advocacy and empowerment programmes.

According to the statement, the society’s focus includes promoting women’s rights, advancing gender equity, encouraging education and entrepreneurship among women and girls, and speaking against violence and discrimination.

Decoration ceremonies were held in Ile-Ife and Otun Ekiti to mark the acceptance of the roles, with attendance from community members and stakeholders.

The organisation urged its members across the country, particularly in the South West, to remain committed to its objectives, stating that the recognition comes with increased responsibility to deliver measurable impact.

The statement reaffirmed the society’s commitment to integrity, discipline and service in its engagements nationwide.

She said: “We charge all SWS members, particularly those in the South West region and across the federation, to rededicate themselves to the core objectives of the Society.

This honour comes with responsibility. 

“We must continue to: promote the protection and advancement of women’s rights, encourage education, entrepreneurship, and leadership among women and girls, stand firmly against all forms of violence and discrimination uphold integrity, discipline, and service in all our engagements

“The confidence reposed in us by these foremost royal fathers must be matched with measurable impact, unity of purpose, and unwavering commitment to our cause.

“Standup for Women Society appreciates His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, and His Royal Majesty, the Oore of Otun Ekiti, for their royal endorsement, royal blessings, and fatherly support.”