By Prosper Mene
The people of Akinlalu community in Osun State have publicly declared their total abandonment of female genital mutilation (FGM) and vowed to report anyone found practising or promoting it to law enforcement agencies.
The historic declaration was made on Thursday during a well-attended public event organised by Action Health Incorporated (AHI) with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Speaking on behalf of the community, the traditional ruler, Oba Israel Oluwabusola, the Alakinlalu of Akinlalu, announced the collective decision to end the harmful traditional practice.
“As the monarch of this town, I have consulted widely with my people and we have all agreed to completely stop the practice of female genital mutilation in Akinlalu,” Oba Oluwabusola said.
“We will continue to collaborate with the NGO, health officials, and security agencies to ensure that no one engages in this harmful act. Anyone caught will be promptly handed over to the appropriate authorities,” he added.
The monarch attributed past adherence to the practice to ignorance of its severe health consequences, including complications that can lead to stillbirths.
“Our forefathers did not know that many of the problems we faced, including stillbirths, were caused by FGM. Now that we are aware of the dangers, we are committed to protecting our daughters,” he stated.
He urged residents to spread the message throughout the community, emphasising that education and awareness are key to ensuring future generations live healthier lives.
Fatima Idris, Programme Officer at Action Health Incorporated, described the declaration as a significant milestone in the fight against FGM in Osun State.
Mrs Mary Bifarin, founder of Mary Care Foundation – a community-based partner organisation – praised the inclusive approach of the sensitisation programme.
“We ensured that the monarch, chiefs, religious leaders from both Islamic and Christian faiths, and the entire community were fully involved. Today’s public declaration sends a clear message that Akinlalu is no longer a place where female genital mutilation will be tolerated,” she said.
The Akinlalu declaration is part of broader ongoing efforts in Osun State to eradicate FGM. Recently, AHI, with support from UNFPA and in partnership with the Osun State Ministry of Education, trained adolescent students from five secondary schools in Ilesa on comprehensive sexuality education, with a strong focus on the dangers of FGM and the importance of reproductive health rights.
Community leaders and health advocates have hailed the development as a powerful example of how tradition can evolve when armed with knowledge, unity, and commitment to the well-being of the girl child.

















