Olu of Ilaro, Paramount Ruler of Yewaland and Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas , Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle FNIVS. FNIM. RSV. DSc. DLitt Asade Agunloye IV, has called on men across Yewaland to take greater responsibility in promoting peace, protecting women and girls, and strengthening family values.
The monarch made the call while hosting the 5th Men-Only Town hall Meeting at the Olu of Ilaro Palace in Ilaro, Ogun State.
The gathering brought together traditional leaders, religious figures, community groups (Artisans, Youth, Political parties, Cultural groups) and advocates, who agreed on the critical role men must play in building safer homes and more harmonious communities.
Olu of Ilaro emphasised that true leadership by men must be reflected in patience, discipline, and respect for women and children. He noted that the wellbeing of any society is closely tied to how women and girls are treated.
“Our culture places great responsibility on men as leaders of families and custodians of our traditions. We must therefore reject all forms of violence and injustice against women and girls. True strength lies in protecting, supporting, and uplifting them,” the monarch stated.
The Monarch urged men across communities in Yewaland to return to the cultural values that promote dignity, fairness, and mutual respect within families.
Chief Ayorinde Dawotola (M.Sc, FCA, ACIP), Otun Aguro of Ilaro Yewa and Secretary, Olu Ilaro in Council who chaired states that the protection of women and girls is a collective duty that must not be taken lightly.
He urged men to maintain cordial and respectful relationships with women, noting that even religious teachings, particularly the Bible, emphasize the importance of safeguarding women.
Alhaji Lamidi Ajani Elegbede (JP), MCPA, In his keynote address highlighted that protecting women and girls goes beyond words, describing it as standing firmly against violence, abuse, and intimidation. He called on men to speak out against any form of injustice and to promote a culture of dignity and respect for women in society.
Al-Imam (Alh.) Habeebulllah Tol’hat, Imam of Al-Khaleel Central Mosque, Ilaro and Otun Aguro of Ilaro Yewa, stressed that the foundation for protecting women must begin before marriage.
He outlined four key values men must embody: being protectors and guardians, showing kindness and justice, serving as responsible providers, and upholding strong spiritual values.
Catechist Akapo John Sewanu JP, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Yewa South Local Government, called for stronger collaboration between churches, mosques, and community institutions to guide young men toward responsible behaviour and respect for women.
Barrister Olumide Omosebi, Chief Executive Officer of GNOSIS Help Initiative, stressed that 58.8 percent of girls aged 0–18 have experienced some form of abuse. He identified absent fathers as a major contributing factor to the prevalence of abuse, stressing that silence and lack of accountability only embolden perpetrators.
He further warned that about 40 percent of abused girls may grow up to exhibit violent behavior or become involved in crime. He urged men to speak up to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice, and young men should be brought up through mentorship programmes and community initiatives that promote positive masculinity and responsible citizenship.
Comr. Fatai Yinus, PRO, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, emphasised the need for stronger family structures and inclusive dialogue. He called for regular family meetings and advocated for women and girls to be actively involved in decision-making processes, ensuring they have a voice and a meaningful role in society.
The townhall concluded with a collective commitment from community leaders to continue engaging men and boys across Yewaland in conversations and initiatives that promote peaceful homes, strengthen family structures, and safeguard the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The meeting forms part of broader advocacy efforts aimed at encouraging men to play an active role in addressing gender-based violence and building communities rooted in respect, justice, and shared responsibility.
The Ilaro Townhall meeting is the 5th in line of Men only Townhall series which aim to redefine the role of men as allies in protecting women and girls, strengthening family bonds, and eradicating harmful traditional practices, is an initiative of Women Radio WFM91.7 in collaboration with Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation with support from the Ford Foundation.
The Ilaro Townhall meeting concluded with the following actions,
Core Values for Men:
Men must embody four fundamental values as pillars of responsible living: (a) Protector and Guardian (b) Provider (c) Kind and Trustworthy (d) Spiritually Responsible
Parental Responsibility:
Fathers are strongly encouraged to be present, available, and actively involved in the lives of their girl-child and the family at large, recognizing their critical role in shaping safe and supportive environments.
Recognition of Women:
Women who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and positive impact within their communities should be accorded traditional titles and recognition to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion.
Priority on Protection:
Men must place the protection of women and girls as a top priority in homes, communities, and society at large.
Zero Tolerance for Violence:
Men are called upon to stand firmly against all forms of violence against women and girls, including abuse, intimidation, and exploitation.
Speak Up and Report Abuse:
Men are urged to be champions in speaking out against abuse and to actively report all cases, ensuring that silence does not enable perpetrators.
Role of Security Agencies:
Security agencies are called upon to diligently investigate and ensure that perpetrators of abuse are brought to justice without delay.
Legal Approach to Abuse Cases:
All issues of abuse must be treated as legal matters rather than private family affairs, to ensure accountability and deterrence.