‘Unacceptable act’ — NGO calls for investigation into assault of Ondo commissioner

The Sustainable Gender Action Initiative (SGAI), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has called for an investigation into the assault of Olubunmi Osadahun, the Ondo state commissioner for women affairs.

Osadahun was on Sunday attacked and injured during the distribution of subsidy palliatives procured by the state government.

The incident occurred in Arigidi-Akoko, in Akoko north-west LGA of the state.

A viral video on social media showed a man throwing a blue chair at the commissioner after which she appeared with a swollen head.

Osadahun was reported to have been attacked by Awolumate Olumide, Akoko north-west ward 1 chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), over the allegation that the exercise was shrouded in secrecy by government officials.

In a statement on Monday, Mufuliat Fijabi, executive director of SGAI, said the attack had negative impacts on Osadahun, describing it as an absolute lack of respect for the office she holds.

“This act of violence perpetrated by a ward Chairman, Olumide Awolumate of the All Progressives Congress in Arigidi, in Akoko North West, over palliatives, further reiterates the negative impact of patriarchy,” the statement reads.

“It also shows an 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 (GBV) that is prevalent across the country, which calls for an absolute condemnation by all.

“Women and girls deserve respect and dignity. This is in spite of 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.”

Fijabi noted that while the Ondo government has also domesticated the violence against persons prohibition (VAPP) Act in 2021, violence against women and girls still persists in the state.

“While the video clip displaying the violent attack on the honourable commissioner has gone viral, SGAI wishes to state categorically that expedited action on investigation and prosecution will contribute significantly to setting a good precedence,” she said.

”This will deter others who are currently engaged in acts of violence against persons publicly and privately.”