As part of activities marking his 10th Coronation Anniversary, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Abdulsemiu Orimadegun Kasali, called for collective action against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) during a sensitisation programme organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), urging residents, parents, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to work together in preventing abuse, protecting survivors and promoting a safer community.

Speaking at the event, Oba Kasali said the palace chose to dedicate part of the anniversary celebrations to the campaign because of the increasing cases of sexual and domestic violence being reported across Lagos State.

He noted that reports reaching traditional institutions, police stations and non-governmental organisations highlighted the urgent need for sustained public enlightenment and community involvement.

The monarch explained that one of the responsibilities of the palace is to complement government efforts by ensuring that laws and policies are well understood at the grassroots.

He said the campaign featured a community awareness walk through markets, parks and neighbourhoods to sensitise residents on the dangers of sexual and gender-based violence, encourage victims to speak out and emphasise the importance of reporting cases to the appropriate authorities.

According to him, the law is clear in protecting victims of abuse, adding that collaboration between government, traditional institutions and residents is essential to tackling the menace.

He expressed optimism that the campaign would encourage greater public cooperation in eliminating sexual and domestic violence from society.

Delivering a lecture on “Stop Sexual and Gender-Based Violence,” a representative of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency educated participants on the different forms of abuse handled by the agency, including domestic violence, child abuse and sexual offences.

She explained that many of the reported cases involve violence between spouses, stressing that disagreements in marriage should be resolved through dialogue rather than violence.

The agency representative also enlightened participants on available support services for survivors and encouraged victims and witnesses to report cases promptly for appropriate intervention.

Hon. Adebimpe Akinshola, the Oluomo of Igbogbo Kingdom and Vice Chairman of the Adeboruwa 10-Year Coronation Anniversary Committee, described the fight against sexual and gender-based violence as a collective responsibility.

She noted that child abuse goes beyond sexual assault, explaining that physical assault, inflicting injuries on children and forcing minors into street hawking also constitute child abuse.

She commended the Lagos State Government for establishing agencies dedicated to protecting vulnerable persons and urged parents to build closer relationships with their children. According to her, parents should regularly engage their children in conversations, avoid creating fear and provide an environment where children can freely report any form of abuse without intimidation.

Also speaking, the Iya Oloja General of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Chief Mrs. Asake Shonubi-Wahab, acknowledged that sexual and gender-based violence remains a reality within communities, citing a recent incident as an example.

She advised parents to become friends with their children and maintain open communication with them at all times to encourage them to speak up whenever they experience abuse.

She also appealed to market men and women to be courteous in their interactions with customers, noting that people often face unseen personal challenges. According to her, creating a violence-free society begins with individual attitudes and everyday actions.

In his remarks, Dr. Okeowo Taiwo, Co-Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee for the Adeboruwa at 10 Anniversary, said the campaign underscored the fact that men can also be victims of domestic violence.

He encouraged men experiencing abuse or emotional trauma to seek help instead of suffering in silence, noting that counselling and other support services are available through relevant authorities.

Dr. Okeowo said the awareness rally recorded significant public interest, with many residents requesting contact information for support agencies after interacting with campaign volunteers.

He described the response as evidence that many people within the community require information and assistance, adding that incorporating the sensitisation campaign into the Adeboruwa’s 10th Coronation Anniversary had provided an important platform for addressing social issues affecting families and the wider community.

The sensitisation programme concluded with a renewed commitment by traditional leaders, government agencies and community stakeholders to sustain advocacy against sexual and gender-based violence while encouraging residents to report cases promptly and support efforts aimed at building a safer and more inclusive society.