Oluwo Calls for Abolition of Harmful Cultural Practices Violating Human Rights
The Oluwo of Iwo in Osun State, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has called on the Nigeria Police Force to support the abolition of what he described as barbaric and unconstitutional cultural practices that endanger public safety and infringe upon citizens’ fundamental rights.
The monarch made this appeal in Ikeja, Lagos State, during the unveiling of “Diary of an Audacious Reformer,” a book written in honour of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The book was authored by veteran journalist and Razornews Chief Executive Officer, Sunday Odita, and chronicles Egbetokun’s professional journey, highlighting reforms credited with enhancing efficiency within the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking at a panel session titled “Institutional Collaboration as a Tool for Counter-Terrorism and Crime,” Oba Akanbi urged security agencies to take decisive steps to curb certain traditional practices. These include the imposition of movement restrictions during festivals, the activities of secret societies, and what he described as the defilement of traditional shrines through crude rituals.
He maintained that such practices constitute violations of human rights and have no place in a modern, democratic society.
“The era of restricting citizens’ movement under the guise of cultural rites has long passed in my kingdom, Iwo,” the monarch stated. “I do not permit such practices. Security agencies must collaborate to put an end to this madness. What moral or constitutional justification exists for restricting the movement of individuals in the name of cultural observances in the 21st century?”
0 Comments