In a historic move aimed at safeguarding the health, dignity, and future of girls within his domain, the Baale of Akinfenwa Molunkan Community in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State, Alhaji AbduRahman Adegboyega Lawal (JP) has officially declared the total abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the community.
The Baale made the pronouncement during a sensitisation and public declaration ceremony held at the Malunkan Community Square, where traditional rulers, women leaders, youth groups, health workers, and civil society organisations gathered to witness the landmark event.
The programme, organised by Frontida zois initiative (FZI) in partnership with United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA, Oyo State Government, Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health (CCPRH) focused on raising awareness about the harmful effects of FGM and mobilising community members to join the collective stand against the age-long practice.
The Baale described the decision as “a necessary step towards protecting the lives and wellbeing of our daughters.”
Speaking firmly before the large crowd, the Baale stated that the community had resolved to put an end to the cultural practice which has for years caused physical, psychological, and reproductive health challenges for girls and women.
“From today onward, Malunkan will no longer be a place where the girl-child is subjected to Female Genital Mutilation,” he declared. “We cannot continue to hold on to harmful traditions that destroy destinies. Our culture should preserve life, not endanger it.”
He emphasised that the decision was reached after months of sensitisation by health professionals, women groups, and traditional leaders who enlightened the community about the grave consequences of FGM, including excessive bleeding, infections, complications during childbirth, and even death.
The Baale called on all families, especially parents and guardians, to embrace the new community directive and ensure that all newborn girls are protected from the act.
In a strong warning to potential violators, the Baale announced that any individual — traditional circumcisers, parents, or collaborators — found engaging in or aiding FGM within the community would face serious repercussions. He explained that Malunkan’s traditional council had adopted strict sanctions and payment of heavy fines.
Beyond traditional sanctions, the Baale also reminded the public that FGM is a criminal offence under Nigerian law. “Anyone who violates this declaration will not only answer to the community but will also face the full weight of the law,” he stressed. “The Oyo State Government and the Federal Government have laws against Female Genital Mutilation. Anyone caught will be handed over to the authorities for prosecution.”
Speaking, the Gender Officer, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Balikis Oluwakemi Olawoyin described the programme as a welcome development adding the Malunkan community has benefitted extensively from education and awareness on FGM.
According to her, the people of the community are now well informed on the issues on FGM, adding the the Baale in his understanding has made an open declaration on total abandoment on FGM, a development which will go a long way in addressing the menace.
Olawoyin while admonishing the people on total compliance lauded FZI, UNFPA,. CCPRH and the state government for organizing consensus building towards FGM abandoment in Lagelu Local Government and Oyo State as a whole.
Speaking, the Chief Executive Officer, (CEO), Frontida Zois Initiative- Mrs. Petra Ogunfowokan said the project is Advocacy to End Female Genital Mutilation in Oyo State.
Frontida Zois Initiative is implementing the Project in 5 communities in Lagelu LGA.
The goal is to create awareness and sensitize communities on the need to end FGM through training High Profile EndFGM Champions/Surveillance, conduct a series of community dialogues, and consensus building with critical stakeholders in the community and with law enforcement agencies within the local government
Frontida Zois Initiative (FZI) intends to bring total abandonment to Female Genital Mutilation in the Oyo State community by community before 2030
With this bold step, Akinfenwa Molunkan community joins a growing number of traditional communities in Oyo State taking decisive action to protect the rights and future of young girls. The Baale reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring full compliance with the declaration, emphasizing that the era of Female Genital Mutilation in Molunkan “has come to an irrevocable end.”
