Speaking on the pressing issue of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) yesterday, 14 January 2025, High Chief Mrs. Josephine Atabansi Kanife Onwumelu, a revered leader in Igbo culture, affirmed that SGBV has long been acknowledged in the traditional Igbo society. In an engaging discussion on Solid 100.9 FM’s Viewpoint the Conversation, High Chief Onwumelu shed light on the cultural and systemic approaches to addressing such cases.
Mrs. Onwumelu emphasised that Igbo communities have mechanisms to handle SGBV, involving traditional institutions such as cabinets and community leaders. “First, we invite the parents of those involved. Then, we take the matter to the Igwe (king) and his cabinet, who assess the root causes—whether it’s poverty, unemployment, or substance abuse—and institute discipline or rehabilitation,” she explained.
The High Chief highlighted that cultural practices and modern interventions must be harmonised to combat the pervasive issue. “We create empowerment programmes and educate offenders, often placing them in community rehabilitation centres to correct their behaviours,” she added.
However, High Chief Onwumelu stressed the importance of public accountability, urging victims to break the culture of silence that protects offenders. “Silence is our worst enemy. The Bible says, ‘Tell the truth and shame the devil.’ Hiding these crimes destroys lives and society,” she stated passionately.
While applauding traditional and church efforts, Mrs. Onwumelu called on the government to revive institutions like the reformatory centre at Ninth Mile and collaborate with communities to address the root causes of SGBV.
The conversation also addressed the challenges posed by societal indifference and the blame culture surrounding SGBV. The panel collectively agreed that churches, families, and traditional institutions must do more to educate and protect vulnerable groups while holding offenders accountable.
Listeners praised the enlightening discussion, with many calling for stronger community-led actions to end SGBV.
A male religious leader, Venerable Dr. Samuel Chibuzor Onoh, who was the second guest on the show, offered a perspective rooted in the role of the church in addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The Venerable Onoh, who is Archdeacon of Idaw River Archdeaconry of Enugu Diocese, argued that the church plays a pivotal role in fostering morality and discipline within society. He stated that “Education without morality is useless,” highlighting that the church preaches moral living and encourages members to adhere to ethical standards.
He noted that while the church is not an enforcement body, it provides counselling and moral guidance to offenders and victims alike. He emphasised that using the Word of God and counselling could rehabilitate individuals in a way that legal systems might not always achieve.
The Venerable Onoh acknowledged the societal tendency to suppress cases of SGBV to protect family or organisational reputations, including within religious institutions. He lamented that senior clergy members implicated in such issues are often shielded from accountability due to the desire to avoid scandal.
On the controversial topic of marital rape, the Archdeacon admitted that it does occur, but argued that it often stems from unresolved marital tensions. He called for mutual respect and understanding between spouses but stressed that women should not consistently deny their husbands intimacy, as it could lead to conflict.
He linked the persistence of SGBV to societal reluctance to openly address sensitive issues. He noted that families and churches often avoid reporting such cases, leading to a lack of justice and enabling further abuse.
The leader of faith concluded by advocating for a collective effort involving families, churches, and the government to address SGBV effectively. He reiterated the importance of instilling discipline and morality at all levels of society to curb the issue. This is in line with the agreement reached last October 2024 during the first ever town hall meeting of leaders of faith and culture in South East Nigeria on SGBV. The meeting was organised by the WABMA Media Development Foundation with support from the Ford Foundation.
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