Olu of Ilaro to Host 5th Men-Only Townhall Meeting

Press Release

Ilaro, Ogun State — We are pleased to announce the 5th edition of the Men-Only Townhall Meeting scheduled to hold on 17 March 2026 at the palace of Oba Dr. Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle Asade Agunloye IV, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland in Ilaro, Ogun State.

Ahead of the engagement, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle emphasised the crucial responsibility of men in protecting families and communities from all forms of violence. “Men must become the first defenders against all forms of violence: domestic abuse, harmful cultural practices, exploitation, harassment, and neglect” the Monarch emphasised”

The decision to host this important engagement in Ilaro followed a strategic meeting between His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle and the Chair of Women Radio WFM91.7 and Founding Executive Director Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation Toun Okewale Sonaiya. Okewale Sonaiya expressed appreciation to the monarch stating that hosting the Men-Only townhall meeting at the Ilaro palace underscores the importance of grassroots engagement in promoting safe and peaceful communities. “We are deeply grateful to His Royal Majesty and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland for graciously agreeing to host the Ilaro Men-Only townhall meeting and for his unwavering commitment to community development, peace and gender inclusion.”

The Men-Only Townhall Meeting is designed as a safe and strategic platform to engage men as critical stakeholders in strengthening community structures, and preventing gender-based violence. The 5^th edition will bring together the traditional ruler, security agents, youths, artisans, faith and community leaders to foster open dialogue, shared responsibility, and sustainable solutions to protect women and girls in the community.

The Men-Only Townhall Meeting, an initiative of Women Radio WFM91.7 in collaboration with Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation and supported by Ford Foundation is a deliberate and strategic initiative engaging men as partners in ending gender-based violence.