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Osun First Lady, Others Call For FGM Offenders’ Prosecution

ByOlamilekan Adigun

PublishedAugust 8, 2025

The wife of Osun State Governor, Mrs Titilola Adeleke, has called for the enforcement and prosecution of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) offenders.

Mrs Adeleke made the call on Monday during a roundtable symposium on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

The symposium, which focused on the provision, enforcement, and prosecution of FGM, was organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation, Action Health Incorporated, with support from the United Nations Population Fund and in collaboration with the office of the First Lady.

Speaking during the programme, the First Lady stated that FGM is not only a harmful traditional practice, but a violation of the rights, health, and dignity of women and girls.

She urged stakeholders to work together to end FGM in Osun State and make the state a model for Nigeria and beyond.

Mrs Adeleke while appreciating the organisers of the programme, said their partnership has brought strength and visibility to the fight against FGM in Osun State.

She said, “FGM is not only a harmful traditional practice, it is a violation of the rights, health, and dignity of women and girls. Today, we gather to strengthen our laws, to improve enforcement, and to ensure that offenders are held accountable.

“Let me appreciate Action Health Incorporated and the United Nations Population Fund for their unwavering support in this cause. Your partnership has brought strength and visibility to the fight against FGM in Osun State. We will not take that for granted.

“This gathering is a reminder that the safety of our daughters and the future of our communities depend on the bold steps we are taking. By working together, government, traditional institutions, civil society, and families can end FGM in Osun State and serve as a model for Nigeria and beyond.”

In her welcome Address,
the South-West Gender/FGM analyst for the United Nations Population Fund, Mrs Uzoma Ayodeji, said no perpetrator of FGM has been prosecuted in Osun State despite evidence of the continued practice.

Mrs Ayodeji noted that the symposium was to ensure that every girl in the state and across Nigeria can live free from the harmful practice of FGM.

“While laws exist to protect women and girls, the challenge has been in their enforcement and prosecution. For far too long, no case has been prosecuted in Osun State despite evidence of the continued practice. This symposium provides us with a rare and important opportunity to change that narrative.

“We are here to critically examine the gaps in enforcement of the anti-FGM law, build stronger collaboration across government, judiciary, CSOs, health professionals, traditional, religious leaders, and establish a State Action Plan that will serve as a roadmap for the elimination of FGM in Osun State.”

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Ayodeji commended the first lady for her unwavering commitment to protecting women and girls in the state.

The state Attorney General and Commisioner for Justice, Jimi Bada (SAN), who was represented by the Director of Public Prosecution in the Ministry of Justice, Barrister Folashade Akinrunjumu, said the state has existing laws forbidding the practice of FGM.

The Commissioner noted that the Ministry is ready to “Prosecute anybody caught engaging in the harmful practice of FGM”, calling on communities to report cases to appropriate quarters.

In her remarks, the Program Officer, Action Health Incorporated, Fatimah Idris, said the organisation, with the support of UNFPA, is committed to supporting the State in strengthening legal responses, enhancing community engagement, and ensuring that the rights of every girl are safeguarded.

She urged participants to take concrete actions and ensure enforcement, accountability, and justice for survivors.

The Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, urged security agencies to ensure that perpetrators are apprehended and made to face the law.

Attendees, who included representatives from the judiciary, legislative, traditional institutions, as well as religious bodies, all called for a total end to FGM practice in the state.

Olamilekan Adigun

Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.