The International Federation of Women Lawyers(FIDA), Osun State chapter has sensitised traditional leaders in the state on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law.
The association addressed the traditional rulers during their monthly meeting held at the Government Secretariat, Abere in Osogbo, the state capital.
According to the FIDA Chairperson, Mrs. Oluwadamilola Olabiyi, the sensitisation programme was aimed at enlightening the traditional leaders on the VAPP law, passed by the state government, saying the law demonstrates government’s commitment to put an end to all violence against vulnerable persons.
Olabiyi described the traditional institutions as the closest to the grassroots, hence they should be adequately aware of the provision of the law in order to curb violence.
She educated the traditional leaders on the various offences, their punishments and fines, once a suspect is proven guilty by a court of law.
“This law is a significant step towards ensuring the protection and welfare of all persons in Osun State. Violence against persons is a serious issue that affects individuals, families, and communities, and the passage of this law demonstrates the government’s commitment to putting an end to it.
“This law covers a wide range of offenses, including physical violence, sexual violence, emotional abuse, and economic abuse, among others.
According to her, “Some girls are still being subjected to harmful traditional practices such as female circumcision.
She further said: “The association gives help in terms of advising broken homes and mediate between warring husband and wife.
“As a matter of fact, we are also saddled with the responsibility of protecting the rights of girls and women.
“It’s not a matter of begging you to be responsible to people who are economically dependent on you, and abandoning your spouse and children is now the matter of the law.”
Olabiyi however made it clear to the traditional rulers that the association does not only give legal advice and support to women alone, but vulnerable men who do not have the power and ability to fight for their rights.
In his remarks, the Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin appreciated the women lawyers for sensitising them about the VAPP law.
Oba Abolarin, who acknowledged the usefulness of the sensitisation, said FIDA has helped them a lot with the training.
“We want to appreciate you for the laudable sensitisation programme. You have helped us a lot with this training and sensitization because most of the things discussed here today are what we sit and adjudicate upon on daily basis.
“We want to urge you our daughters to help us make copies of this law available for us to go and study.” he said.
