Abeokuta: The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has urged men to honor and cherish their wives, advising them to abstain from domestic violence. Gbadebo conveyed this message during a town hall meeting in Abeokuta, focused on the role of men in safeguarding women and girls.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the town hall meeting drew traditional rulers, community leaders, and religious figures from Egbaland. The event was themed ‘Strengthening Family and Community Bonds: The Role of Men in Protecting Women and Girls,’ and was organized by Women Radio 91.7FM with backing from the Ford Foundation and Women Empowerment Foundation.
The traditional ruler emphasized that men who resort to violence against their wives lack bravery, labeling such behavior as characteristic of lazy and unserious individuals. He called upon men to view women and girls as unique individuals deserving of care and consideration.
Oba Gbadebo stated, “God has made men the head, our prayer is that God should give all men the capacity to play their roles as the head in the family.” He further highlighted the importance of the event in teaching men how to care for women and girls, advocating for patience and love in familial relationships.
He urged participants to take the meeting seriously, highlighting its potential to provide valuable guidance on home management. The News Agency of Nigeria noted that the meeting featured panel discussions and stakeholder remarks, including input from youths on addressing the abuse of women and girls.
The gathering concluded with a communique emphasizing the role of religious leaders in addressing family issues and urging security agencies to strictly enforce laws against family abuse. It also recommended that cultural values and home management skills be taught to the younger generation, and suggested involving more youths in future meetings to address their lack of cultural knowledge.
