Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland Leads Historic Men-Only Townhall Meeting: A Unified Call for Men to Foster Peace and Protect Women & Girls.

Emmanuel Olonade

The Abeokuta Townhall Meeting with the Custodians of Our Culture, held on Tuesday, 15 April 2025, at the historic Alake’s Palace in Abeokuta, marked a pivotal moment in the collective effort to redefine the role of men in building safer, more equitable communities. Hosted by His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, CFR OKUKENU IV, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, the event brought together traditional leaders, religious figures, security agents, policymakers, and gender advocates to address the urgent need for men to actively champion the protection and empowerment of women and girls. 

Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo CFR OKUKENU IV, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland in his royal address, condemned violence against women, stating that only a weak man would resort to beating his wife. He emphasized that while God appointed men as leaders, they must embody patience and integrity in their roles. HRM said that men who fail to uphold these values due to poor character lead dishonourable lives, undermining both their dignity and societal harmony. He reinforced the cultural responsibility of men in shaping a just society:  “As custodians of tradition, we must lead by example. The strength of a nation lies in how it treats its women and girls. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to using our influence to end gender-based violence, promote education for the girl child, and ensure that our cultural practices align with justice and equity. Let this gathering be a turning point for all Egba men to stand as protectors and advocates for peace” he said.

Professor Afolabi Soyode, the chairman of the townhall meeting  while setting the context stated that the gathering is not just a meeting but a clarion call for men to reclaim their rightful role as protectors and promoters of peace. Egba men must cultivate patience, attentiveness, and moral integrity, prioritizing the creation of harmonious households. Young men, in particular, should be instilled with the virtue of respect because the foundation of a thriving society is rooted in the values nurtured within the home.

Professor Ajao Adelekan in his keynote address said that societies that empower women experience faster economic growth, better health outcomes, and lasting peace. Adelekan emphasized the importance of addressing societal issues rooted in the behaviour of men, highlighted the ongoing changes in society and stressed the need to critically examine why women are often denied protection. According to him, men must show women the respect they deserve, recognize their shared humanity, and actively work to foster peace in society. He added that women should be empowered to voice their perspectives and contribute meaningfully to societal progress. He called for an end to domestic violence against women, underscoring its role in perpetuating inequality and harm.

Venerable Balogun of the Cathedral of St James African church Idi Ape Abeokuta said “The church must preach not just salvation but social justice. Men who claim to love God must first love their neighbours—especially the vulnerable—by standing against abuse and inequality.” 

Apostle Lawrence Achudum stated that the custodians of our culture must organize more townhall meetings that actively involve youth leaders.

Sheikh Abdul Jemeel Olorunseyi, Chief Imam of Obantoko Abeokuta said “Islam teaches that the best among men is those who treat women with kindness. It is our duty as Muslim leaders to amplify these teachings in mosques and homes.”

Prince Adesina Adedamola Chairman, CDC Abeokuta said “Local governance must prioritize women’s safety. We commit to working with community watch groups to ensure swift responses to violence and harassment.”

Ambassador Richards Adejola thanked HRM Alake and Paramount Ruler noting that men still have a long way to go in protecting women. Society must rise to make safeguarding women and girls a collective responsibility, starting within the family. Men must not be absent in their homes; their active presence and engagement are foundational to building a safer and more equitable society

The former commissioner of Police Ogun state CP Edward Ajogun rtd, stated the importance of protecting women while emphasizing the need for families to raise boys to respect women. He stressed that security agencies will and should not condone violence against women.

Dr. Babatunde Okewale, Chairman of Women Radio 91.7fm who was represented by Dr Collins Aboloje of St Ives Hospital Abeokuta spoke on how our forefathers-built communities on respect, discipline, and the protection of the family unit. Okewale urged men to “work towards restoring dignity to the family, to reject violence and create safer spaces for our wives, mothers, daughters, and girls”

Broadcaster and founder of Smailz FM Dr. Ambrose Somide urged every Egba man to take a stand to not pass on harmful norms that hurt women and girls and urged traditional institutions to help in ending the practice of honouring men who abuse or perpetrate violence against women with traditional titles. Instead, such individuals should be condemned, and any titles they hold should be revoked.

The Abeokuta MEN-ONLY Townhall meeting culminated in concrete commitments.

1.            To encourage faith Leaders to routinely speak on issues of family during sermons and community meetings.

2.            Security agencies to allow the law takes its full course and not resolve issues of abuse as a family issue/dispute.

3.            A man who cannot protect his wife and daughters shouldn’t give birth.

4.            To make it mandatory to take care of women and girls.

5.            Cultural values should be passed on to our sons and men on respecting women.

6.            Organise subsequent Abeokuta Townhall meetings that will include youth leaders and youths.

7.            Suggestion that before any chieftancy is bestowed, a man must have identified to have empowered a woman

The historic first ever men only gathering in Nigeria which held in Abeokuta had in attendance high chiefs of Egbaland, diplomats, government offcials, Local Government chairman, Sector Commander FRSC,  Representatives of security agencies, faith leaders, community leaders, business men, artisans and men from all walks of life.

It was initiated by Women Radio 91.7fm with support from Ford Foundation and Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation.

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