Group condemns attack on Ondo commissioner, urges speedy prosecution of attacker

A non-profit civil society organization focused on inclusive governance and advocacy against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), Sustainable Gender Action Initiative (SGAI), has expressed utmost displeasure and condemned in very strong terms, what it described as the unwarranted acts of physical violence perpetrated against the person of Dr Olubunmi Osadahun, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ondo State. 

     Speaking through a press statement, the executive director of the group, Mufuliat Fijabi, said this act of violence perpetrated by a ward Chairman, Olumide Awolumate, of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Arigidi, in Akoko North West, over palliatives, further reiterates the negative impact of patriarchy and absolute lack of respect for the commissioner and the office she holds.

    Fijabi said this totally unacceptable act is no doubt a reflection of gender-based violence (GBV) that is prevalent across the country which calls for an absolute condemnation by all.     

      She added that women and girls deserve respect and dignity and this is despite all the international and regional commitments that Nigeria has made as well as the adoption of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, (VAPP) Act in 2015. The Ondo State Government, she said, has also domesticated the VAPP Act in 2021.

     While the video clip displaying violent attack on the Honorable Commissioner has gone viral, SGAI wishes to state categorically, that expedited action on investigation and prosecution will contribute significantly to setting a good precedence that will deter others who are currently engaged in acts of violence against persons publicly and privately.