Legal practitioners and activists in Lagos march to raise domestic violence awareness, demand justice for victims, and promote protection for women nationwide.
In Lagos, lawyers, human rights advocates, and civil society groups staged a memorial procession to demand justice for the late Temitope Odu, a lawyer, wife, and mother who allegedly died due to domestic violence.
The event, organised by the Gnosis Help Initiative in collaboration with several human rights organisations, drew hundreds of legal practitioners, women’s rights defenders, and concerned citizens along Sabo Road, Yaba.
The march highlighted the urgent need for domestic violence awareness across Nigeria.
Described as a “transitional walk,” the procession symbolised grief and defiance, representing collective determination to confront domestic violence.
The event served not only as a tribute to Odu’s life but also as a platform to raise public consciousness and promote domestic violence awareness, reminding communities that abuse is preventable and must never be ignored.
Olumide Omosebi, Convener of the Gnosis Help Initiative, led the procession and condemned the weak institutional response to domestic abuse cases in Nigeria.
He emphasised the importance of supporting victims rather than shaming them for leaving dangerous relationships.
“No religion should ever justify violence. No one should be trapped in a harmful marriage under the guise of divine approval,” Omosebi said.
He stressed that Odu’s death, who was recently called to the Bar, is a stark reminder of why domestic violence awareness campaigns must continue and reach every corner of society.
Maureen Bolowotan, Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ikorodu Branch, reiterated FIDA’s commitment to empowering women to prioritise their safety and self-worth.
“No marriage is worth a woman’s life,” she said. Bolowotan highlighted the critical role of legal and emotional support in addressing domestic abuse, further reinforcing the importance of domestic violence awareness initiatives.
Ololade Ajayi, Coordinator of the Femicide Observatory Programme under the DOHS Cares Foundation, presented alarming statistics, noting that a woman or girl is killed by an intimate partner every 49 hours in Nigeria.
According to Ajayi, Temitope Odu was the 162nd documented femicide victim in 2025. She urged communities and families to intervene early in abuse cases and highlighted the central role of domestic violence awareness in preventing such tragedies.
Domestic violence advocate Anthonia Ojenagbon revealed that Odu had endured over two decades of physical and emotional abuse, allegedly at the hands of her husband.
“No relationship is worth your life. The death of Odu should awaken the conscience of our nation,” Ojenagbon said. She emphasised the urgent need for nationwide efforts to educate the public on recognising and reporting domestic abuse.
Women’s rights campaigner Shola Fatoye added that cultural and societal norms often silence victims.
“For too long, victims’ stories have been buried under expectations. It’s time we listened, respected, and acted,” she said, reinforcing the call for domestic violence awareness as a tool to protect women and promote justice.
The memorial walk also underscored the importance of education and community engagement. Experts noted that public campaigns, workshops, and media initiatives targeting both men and women can dismantle harmful stereotypes, promote equality, and prevent abuse before it escalates.
By embedding domestic violence awareness into education and community structures, society can cultivate a culture of vigilance and support for victims.
Participants highlighted that tackling domestic violence is a shared responsibility. Communities, religious institutions, and government agencies all have a role to play.
Families and neighbours are encouraged to identify warning signs, support victims, and report abuse promptly. The walk called for sustainable support systems, shelters, counselling services, and legal aid for victims, ensuring that no survivor feels trapped or isolated.
As the procession concluded, attendees reaffirmed their commitment to honouring Temitope Odu’s memory by continuing advocacy and education efforts.
The march served as a powerful reminder that domestic violence is not a private matter but a societal concern requiring collective action. Only through continuous public enlightenment, legal reform, and societal support can Nigeria significantly reduce the incidence of abuse and save lives.
The Lagos memorial walk sent a clear, unyielding message: abuse is preventable, victims deserve protection, and domestic violence awareness must be a national priority.
Odu’s tragic death is a call to action for government, communities, and individuals alike to confront domestic violence head-on, ensuring no other life is lost to preventable abuse.
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