Osogbo Traditional Rulers Vow to Combat Gender-Based Violence

A prominent traditional ruler in Osun State, the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Larooye, has declared that the traditional institutions in Osogbo are fully prepared to confront gender-based violence (GBV) within the state. This stance was articulated during a significant advocacy visit by HACEY to the Ataoja's palace, which focused on enhancing the support of traditional and community leadership for GBV prevention and response strategies.

The project, titled “Empowering Christian Women Leaders and Women Leaders of Culture on Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria,” received a strong endorsement from the palace. According to Oba Larooye, speaking through his High Chief Kazeem Abayomi Azeez, the Ajagunna of Osogboland, the Ataoja's palace will actively back initiatives that empower women leaders to address GBV. The cultural institutions are set to play a leading role in community justice and providing support to survivors.

During the visit, the palace, represented by the Ajaguna of Osogbo, signed a certificate of commitment. This pledge signifies strong support for advocacy against GBV, ensuring accountability for perpetrators, and offering assistance to survivors. The endorsement from the Ataoja's palace is expected to significantly boost community acceptance of GBV prevention efforts, encourage the reporting of cases, facilitate survivor referrals, and foster accountability at the local level. Furthermore, it aims to shift the narrative, framing GBV as a serious offense against humanity, not solely an issue affecting women.

At a meeting with chiefs and kingmakers, HACEY representatives discussed the project with management. The palace openly affirmed its support for justice and accountability and agreed to participate in an upcoming leadership dialogue scheduled for April 2026. This engagement represents a crucial step in aligning traditional authority with contemporary efforts to combat gender- based violence, with the potential to transform how communities prevent abuse and support those affected in Osun State.

HACEY program officer, Mr. Isaiah Adedayo, appealed for collective support in tackling GBV in all its forms. He expressed gratitude to Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Larooye, for his dedication to the project aimed at helping communities prevent abuse and assisting HACEY in achieving its objectives.

The HACEY delegation consisted of four members: Isaiah Adedayo (program officer), Anjola Oyelola, Praise Agboola, and Mrs. Adesewa, who represented the organization. The palace contingent included the Ajaguna of Osogbo, High Chief Kazeem Abayomi Azeez, representing the Ataoja; High Chief Awawu Asindemade, the Iyalode of Osogboland; six kingmakers; and other palace chiefs.

Also present were two women leaders from the palace who had previously participated in the project's training. These included Chief Mrs. Semiat, identified as the Otun Iyalode, and Mrs. Oshunkemi Oyeyemi Olaludi, the Iyaloja of Akede. The palace secretary also attended, serving as the primary contact for coordinating scheduling and participation in the upcoming leadership dialogue.

Previously trained palace women leaders shared their experiences during the visit, highlighting their enhanced understanding of GBV response and referral mechanisms. They reported increased confidence in addressing traditional authorities and are now positioned as community champions and initial responders to GBV incidents.