Lagos monarch rallies residents against sexual, domestic violence

Oba Semiudeen Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom in Lagos, Nigeria, has implored residents to report instances of sexual and domestic violence, vowing that his palace will not protect offenders. This assurance was given during a rally against sexual and gender-based violence held across the Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area.

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We must all do our part to reduce the occurrence of sexual and gender-based violence in our society.

The awareness campaign, a component of the monarch's 10th coronation anniversary festivities, saw community members marching with placards bearing messages such as 'real men don’t abuse women' and 'Stop the violence, break the bias.' Oba Kasali addressed the gathering, characterizing sexual and gender-based violence as a significant global concern requiring collective action.

He warned that legal provisions are in place to prosecute offenders and urged victims and witnesses to speak out without fear. "People should not hesitate to approach the palace. I assure you that nothing will be swept under the carpet," he stated, emphasizing the palace's commitment to handling reports without bias.

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The law is there to protect everybody, but it will deal with whoever tramples upon it.

Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency's Head of Field Operations, Oluwakemi Bello, highlighted that domestic violence is a pervasive issue affecting all family relationships and remains a major concern for the state government. She noted that domestic violence can occur between various family members, including spouses, parents and children, and even children against their parents.

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People should not hesitate to approach the palace. I assure you that nothing will be swept under the carpet.

Alhaji Lateef Akinborode, Executive Director of the Community Human Rights Foundation, also spoke, referencing data from Lagos State that indicated the prevalence of such issues. The monarch appealed to residents to uphold the law and fulfill their civic duties in fostering a community free from violence, stressing a unified stance against sexual and domestic violence alongside NGOs and state agencies.

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Domestic violence can happen between husband and wife, father and child, mother and child, or even children against their parents.