Calabar–Traditional rulers from across Cross River state were on Tuesday challenged to rethink and adapt their leadership styles to effectively combat gender-based violence (GBV) within their domains. This call came during a one-day forum organized by Gender and Development Action (GADA) with support from the Ford Foundation, held at Pristine Villa Events Centre, Calabar NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
The forum, themed “Advancing Adaptive Leadership and Engaging Traditional Institutions in Combating Gender-Based Violence in Cross River State,” gathered paramount rulers, government officials, civil society actors, and legal experts in a robust exchange of ideas on the evolving role of traditional institutions in protecting community values and rights.
Setting the tone for the forum, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, Founder of GADA and moderator of the day, declared the session “an exchange of ideas, not a seminar or lecture.” She stressed the growing significance of traditional leaders in addressing social decay, insecurity, and community instability.
“When it comes to communities, you traditional rulers are in charge. But the question is, how in charge are you? And to what end?” Toyo asked provocatively, urging the custodians of tradition and culture to reflect on their power and adapt to emerging challenges, particularly GBV.
She questioned the rigidity of traditional institutions defined by doing things “as our forefathers used to,” asking if this static model could still provide solutions in a rapidly evolving society plagued by domestic violence, broken family systems, and insecurity.
In his goodwill message, HRH Solomon Osim Edward, Paramount Ruler of Abi and Chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council (CRSTRC), underscored the traditional institution’s duty to protect the voiceless and vulnerable in society. He advocated greater collaboration and sensitization to curb GBV.
“We, as traditional rulers, must protect the rights and privileges of the common person. That is how we can build a socially just and safe community,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the government, Darlington Bassey Eyo, Chairman of the Cross River State Local Government Service Commission, recognized the traditional rulers as partners in governance. He pledged continued government support for institutional reforms, training, and improved welfare for traditional leaders.
The Chairman of the Cross River State House Committee on Local Government Affairs, Hon. Eyo Bassey, emphasized the influence traditional rulers have in shaping community norms.
“Our cherished institutions must adapt. Harmful traditional practices like early marriage and female genital mutilation must be reviewed and challenged by our royal fathers,” Bassey stated.
Bassey cited the need for traditional leaders to uphold laws protecting the girl child, including her right to inheritance.
Following a lead presentation by Justice Eyo Effiom Ita (Rtd.) on integrating traditional institutions into the justice and security framework of the state, he cited the success of Rwanda in this regard while suing for action more than words to facilitate this cause; traditional rulers engaged in panel discussions sharing their experiences and perspectives.
HRM, the Paramount Ruler of Obudu LGA, Utsu Felix Okudare Abanbeshie and HRM, the Paramount Ruler of Etung LGA, spoke on the role of traditional councils in promoting social justice for victims of GBV, while examining evolving perspectives for traditional leadership in policymaking.
The afternoon technical sessions focused on gender-based violence in the context of marriage institutions and customary law, facilitated by Barr. Nkechi Usani, the state registrar of the state customary courts. These sessions addressed issues from forced marriages to customary disputes and adaptive community interventions.
The event concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration, monitoring next steps, and a communal lunch.
