The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), has called on traditional institutions to act as advocates for positive behavioral change in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

RoLAC also said that traditional institutions must be seen as advocates of positive behavioral change, influencing their communities through both their actions and words.

Speaking during a town hall meeting at the palace of the Oloja of Epe, Oba Sulaimon Adeshina Raji, Lagos State RoLAC Coordinator, Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa, emphasized the critical role of traditional rulers in fostering respect, equality, and moral values within their communities.

RoLAC’s collaboration with 16 traditional rulers across Lagos State aims to extend grassroots awareness and support for survivors of SGBV, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Traditional rulers pledged their commitment to safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring a safer society.

In a statement, Ijimakinwa urged Oba Sulaimon Adeshina Raji to actively champion gender equality and instill strong moral values that discourage SGBV within his domain.

Ijimakinwa said: “The fight against sexual and gender-based violence could be a total success with the massive support of traditional institutions and their rulers. It has now become imperative more than ever before for traditional rulers to take a leading role in this fight.

“We believed that traditional leaders have great influence over their people, hence the call on them to use their influence to mobilize their subjects against the SGBV and foster a culture of respect and equality.

“Traditional institutions must be seen as advocates of positive behavioral change, influencing their communities through both their actions and words.”

She explained that the goal is to extend SGBV awareness and sensitization efforts to the grassroots.

According to her, traditional rulers’ involvement was crucial not only for awareness but also for providing support and relief to survivors by serving as key points of contact.

In his response, the Oloja of Epe, Oba Sulaimon Adeshina Raji, expressed gratitude to RoLAC and other stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to eradicating SGBV.

He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to protecting the rights of women and ensuring that issues of domestic and sexual violence are addressed effectively.

Acknowledging the urgency of combating SGBV, Oba Sulaimon Adeshina Raji pledged to strengthen his collaboration with RoLAC, DSVA, and other stakeholders.

He emphasized his kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding women’s rights and fostering a safer, more equitable society.

RoLAC also visited the palace of the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, and that of Olu of Iwaya, Oba Suleiman Owolabi Ogun Oloko in Lagos State.

RoLAC added that “Traditional rulers key to tackling Gender-Based Violence-RoLAC Bismarck Bismarck 6 days ago 04 mins, it has now become imperative more than ever before for traditional rulers to take a leading role in this fight.”