- Igwe Achebe highlighted Onitsha’s community regulations protecting women, girls, widows, and persons with disabilities from violence
- The monarch stressed that outdated customs and taboos should not dictate societal norms when they conflict with safeguarding human rights
- He called for enlightenment campaigns and cultural evolution to create a safer, equitable environment aligned with contemporary realities
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, has stressed the importance of collective action to protect women and other vulnerable members of society from violence. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, the monarch argued that outdated customs and ancient taboos should no longer dictate societal norms, especially when they conflict with safeguarding human rights.
Igwe Achebe highlighted that the Onitsha community has put in place specific guidelines and community regulations aimed at protecting women, girls, widows, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. “We are using culture to protect not only girls and women, but to protect everybody: the widows, the disabled, the down-and-out, and the unhealthy,” he said.
He noted that the community has eliminated elements of tradition that are no longer relevant or constructive. The traditional council exercises authority to ensure adherence to these rules and actively holds offenders accountable. “We have a very robust organization active in transforming our community to bring it into the 21st century effectively,” Obi added.
Igwe Achebe emphasized the need for enlightenment campaigns and embracing dynamism as essential for modern society. He explained that culture must evolve to serve the people effectively. “From ancient times, our ancestors’ worldview was very limited… Today, we know better. Certain health issues that were once seen as taboo are no longer viewed that way,” he said.
The Obi’s remarks align with broader calls from traditional and religious leaders in Nigeria, such as the Emir of Kano, who have condemned abuse against women and children and emphasized that culture cannot justify violations of human rights.
In Onitsha, the approach focuses on education, community involvement, and adapting cultural practices to contemporary realities, aiming to create a safer, more equitable environment for all citizens.