Sola POPOOLA
The Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland ,Oba Adedotun Gbadebo has
reinforced the cultural responsibility of men in shaping a jus t society.
Speaking at the historic Men-Only” Townhall meeting held at Ake palace in Abeokuta ,Oba Gbadebo condemned violence against women, stressing that only a weak man would resort to beating his wife.
The programme is a Women Radio 91.7FM initiative, with support from Ford Foundation and Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation .
The event brought together, traditional rulers, high chiefs of Egbaland, diplomats, media professionals, government offcials, Local Government chairman, Sector Commander FRSC, Representatives of security agencies, faith leaders, community leaders,as well as business men, artisans .
The paramount ruler said that men who fail to uphold these values due to poor character lead dishonourable lives, undermining both their dignity and societal harmony. He reinforced the cultural responsibility of men in shaping a just society:
The Egba monarch emphasized that while God appointed men as leaders, they must embody patience and integrity in their roles.
“As custodians of tradition, we must lead by example. The strength of a nation lies in how it treats its women and girls. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to using our influence to end gender-based violence, promote education for the girl child, and ensure that our cultural practices align with justice and equity. Let this gathering be a turning point for all Egba men to stand as protectors and advocates for peace” .The monarch said .
In his address of welcome, Dr. Babatunde Okewale, Chairman of Women Radio 91.7fm who was represented by Dr Collins Aboloje of St Ives Hospital Abeokuta spoke on how our forefathers-built communities on respect, discipline, and the protection of the family unit. Okewale urged men to “work towards restoring dignity to the family, to reject violence and create safer spaces for our wives, mothers, daughters, and girls”
In his keynote address, Professor Ajao Adelekan said that societies that empower women experience faster economic growth, better health
outcomes, and lasting peace.
Adelekan emphasized the importance of addressing societal issues rooted in the behaviour of men, highlighted the ongoing changes in society and stressed the need to critically examine why women are often denied protection. According to him, men must show women the respect they deserve, recognize their shared humanity, and actively work to foster peace in society. He added that women should be empowered to voice their perspectives and contribute meaningfully to societal progress.
He called for an end to domestic violence against women, underscoring its role in perpetuating inequality and harm.
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Obantoko,Sheikh AbdulJamil Olounseye said the Qur’an enjoys muslims to be friend, lover , protector and helpers to their wives.
The Imam said “Islam teaches that the best among men is those who treat women with kindness. It is our duty as Muslim leaders to amplify these teachings in mosques and homes.”
The Muslim cleric stated that the Qur’an also places special interest in the training and nurturing of girl-child, as it attracts huge rewards from God Almighty .
The scholar therefore charged men to be good and responsible husbands fathers and leaders in their respective communities.
A former commissioner of Police Ogun state CP Edward Ajogun rtd, stated the importance of protecting women while emphasizing the need for
families to raise boys to respect women. He stressed that security agencies will and should not condone violence against women.
families to raise boys to respect women. He stressed that security agencies will and should not condone violence against women.
The meeting encourages faith Leaders to routinely speak on issues of family during sermons and community meetings.It also called security agencies to allow the law takes its full course and not resolve issues of abuse as a family issue/dispute.
Other highlights of the meeting was to make it mandatory fior men to take care of women and girls with a warning that man who cannot protect his wife and daughters shouldn’t give birth.
The meeting advocated that cultural values should be passed on to our sons and men on respecting women and that subsequent Abeokuta Townhall meetings should include youth leaders and youths.
Professor Afolabi Soyode, the chairman of the townhall meeting while setting the context stated that the gathering is not just a meeting but a
clarion call for men to reclaim their rightful role as protectors and promoters of peace.
clarion call for men to reclaim their rightful role as protectors and promoters of peace.
“Egba men must cultivate patience, attentiveness, and moral integrity, prioritizing the creation of harmonious households. Young men, in particular, should be instilled with the virtue of respect because the
foundation of a thriving society is rooted in the values nurtured within the home”
foundation of a thriving society is rooted in the values nurtured within the home”
Venerable Balogun of the Cathedral of St James African church Idi Ape Abeokuta said “The churchmust preach not just salvation but social justice. Men who claim to love God must first love their neighbours—especially the vulnerable—by standing against abuse and inequality.”
Apostle Lawrence Achudum stated that the custodians of our culture must organize more townhall meetings that actively involve youth leaders.