… calls on Govt to intervene
The New Generation Girls and Women Initiative, NIGAWD, has condemned in strong terms the alleged threat to a Lagos Monarch, HRM. Oba Adekoya Adeolu Olanipekun, by suspected armed hoodlums who invaded his residence over his refusal to perform Female Genital Mutilation, FGM, on his daughter.
In a statement by the Executive Director of NIGAWD, Abimbola Aladejare-Salako, on Thursday, said the Non-Governmental Organization, which is at the forefront of ending FGM across Africa through her EndFGM campaign, condemned in strong terms the despicable act against the Oba and his daughter.
They regretted, however, how a community in Lagos State will enforce a criminal practice like FGM despite national laws that has been enacted to criminalized FGM.
The statement went further to call on the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, the Police and International Partners to intervene in the matter by protecting the Oba and his daughter and residents of Agbowa Community.
The statement read in part: “It is with great shock that we read the news of the threat on His Royal Highness, Oba Adekoya Adeolu Olanipekun; the traditional ruler of Ashasa Kingdom of Agbowa, Lagos state – by armed hoodlums who invaded his residence over his refusal to perform Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on his daughter.
“We are deeply saddened by this occurrence instigated by community stakeholders including the community traditional council, as it goes contrary to the efforts of the Government, CSOs, and other stakeholders’ commitment to protecting women and girls from harmful traditional practices, including FGM.
“Unfortunately, HRH Oba Adekoya Adeolu Olanipekun, who claimed to have lost a daughter to this harmful practice, is being pressured to risk another daughter’s life. FGM is a threatening form of violence against women and girls that amounts to torture; it violates fundamental human rights, including their physical integrity, right to be free from torture or other cruel treatment, right to life, and right to sexual and reproductive health.
“We, therefore, call on the Governor of Lagos state – His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Police, and International Partners use their good offices and network to intervene in this case to ensure that the residents and community traditional council of Ashasa Kingdom act under the law.
“And also to protect HRH Oba Adekoya Adeolu Olanipekun and his daughter and other community members of the Agbowa community. To think that a community in Lagos state will enforce a criminal practice like FGM is highly worrisome and condemnable; this further shows that the level of education and exposure does not determine the choice of FGM within our communities.
“Finally, we reiterate our commitment to supporting all efforts to protect sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and create a safe societal space for women and girls. It takes our collective efforts to attain a society free of Gender Based Violence (GBV). Therefore, we call on the young and old public members to continue refusing the illegal practice.”