Traditional rulers in Osogbo, led by the Ataoja, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Larooye, have declared a firm commitment to combat gender-based violence (GBV), pledging to take decisive action through community-led initiatives and traditional institutions.

Speaking through High Chief Kazeem Abayomi Azeez, the Ajagunna of Osogboland, the monarch reaffirmed that the palace is fully prepared to support efforts aimed at preventing abuse, protecting survivors, and ensuring accountability for perpetrators.

The commitment came during a high-level advocacy visit by HACEY Health Initiative, focused on strengthening collaboration between traditional authorities and community leaders in tackling GBV. The initiative also seeks to empower women leaders—both religious and cultural—to take frontline roles in prevention and response.

As part of the engagement, the palace formally endorsed the campaign by signing a commitment certificate, signaling support for advocacy, justice, and survivor protection. The move is expected to boost community acceptance of anti-GBV efforts, improve reporting mechanisms, and reinforce accountability at the grassroots level.

Traditional leaders also reframed gender-based violence as a “crime against humanity,” underscoring the need for collective responsibility beyond gender-focused narratives.

The palace further pledged participation in an upcoming leadership dialogue scheduled for April 2026, aimed at deepening collaboration and strengthening response frameworks across communities in Osun State.

Representatives of HACEY Health Initiative commended the Ataoja for his support, noting that the involvement of traditional institutions marks a critical step in reshaping community attitudes and improving protection systems for survivors.

The meeting also highlighted the growing role of trained women leaders within the palace, who are now emerging as community advocates and first responders, equipped with improved knowledge of GBV prevention, reporting pathways, and survivor support mechanisms.