The Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon has lent weight to the abolition of harmful practices within Uyo Kingdom effective from 8 May 2025.
The practices are wife battery and all forms of domestic violence, female Genital Mutilation (FGM), denial of inheritance rights to widows and other forms of economic disempowerment, sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation.
In a public declaration on the abolishment of gender-based violence and harmful practices, the Paramount Ruler said, ‘‘…in the full exercise of the authority vested in me by custom, tradition, and the sacred mandate of my people, do hereby issue this solemn and binding public declaration.’’
This was contained in a document entitled: Public Declaration on Gender-Based and Harmful Practices endorsed by the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, Ediem Sylvanus Okon; a representative of Akwa Ibom State Government, Mrs Nkechi Udoh; a representative of WARIF, Mrs Adeola Potts Johnson; and a representative of UN Women/ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, Country Representative to UN.
The document states ‘‘Paramount Ruler of Uyo, in the full exercise of the authority vested in me by custom, tradition, and the sacred mandate of my people, do hereby issue this solemn and binding public declaration.
‘‘With the support of the Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF) and in partnership with UN Women, our community has engaged in deep consultations with elders, chiefs, youth, women' groups, religious leaders, and the broader populace.
‘‘This engagement aimed to identify, review, and reform discriminatory customary laws and practices that perpetuate violence against women and girls (VAWG).
‘‘In alignment with our cultural evolution, the principles of justice, equity, and dignity, and in recognition of our collective responsibility to protect all members of our community, particularly women and girls; I hereby declare the abolition of the following harmful practices within Uyo Kingdom, effective 8th May 2025:
– Wife battery and all forms of domestic violence
– Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
– Denial of inheritance rights to widows and other forms of economic disempowerment J., – Sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation
This decision reflects our unwavering commitment to upholding human dignity, ensuring gender justice, and fostering a society grounded in peace, respect, and shared humanity.
According to the document, L’’et it be known that from this day forward, any individual found promoting, practicing, or defending any of these outlawed acts shall be considered to be acting against the will of the throne, the community, and the collective conscience of our people. Such actions will attract appropriate traditional and legal sanctions.
‘‘Furthermore, we commit to working closely with the Government of Akwa-Ibom State, WARIF, UN Women, and other stakeholders to develop and implement community-based guidelines that will define practical steps, roles, and responsibilities in actualizing this declaration. These efforts will include community education, awareness campaigns, survivor support, and accountability mechanisms.
‘‘Let this declaration be a beacon of progress and a testament to our shared resolve to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
Uyo Kingdom stands united in promoting peace, protection, and progress for all,’’ it added.
