. “Violence Against Women in Politics: Call for Swift Action in Ondo State Assault Case”

Act of Violence Against the Person of Dr Olubunmi Osadahun, Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs Ondo State.
Sustainable Gender Action Initiative hereby expresses its displeasure and condemns in very strong terms, the acts of physical violence perpetrated against the person of Dr Olubunmi Osadahun, Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ondo State. This act of violence perpetrated by a ward Chairman, Olumide Awolumate, of the All Progressive Congress in Arigidi, in Akoko North West, over palliatives, further reiterates the negative impact of patriarchy and absolute lack of respect for her person and the office she holds.
This totally unacceptable act is no doubt a reflection of gender based violence that is prevalent across the country which calls for an absolute condemnation by all. Women and girls deserve respect and dignity. This is despite all the international and regional commitments that Nigeria has made as well as the adoption of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, (VAPP) Act in 2015. The Ondo State Government has also domesticated the VAPP Act in 2021.
While the video clip displaying violent attack on the Honorable Commissioner has gone viral, SGAI wishes to state categorically, that expedited action on investigation and prosecution will contribute significantly to setting a good precedence that will deter others who are currently engaged in acts of violence against persons publicly and privately.