Och’Idoma moves against child marriage, FGM, unequal inheritance rights, others

The Och’Idoma, a traditional ruler of the Idoma Kingdom, has called for the elimination of 25 harmful gender and cultural practices that negatively impact women and girls. Among these practices are child marriage, female genital mutilation, domestic violence, discrimination favoring sons over daughters, and unequal inheritance rights.

The traditional ruler, Agaba’Idu Elaigwu Odogbo John, also criticized the belief that bride price grants a man ownership over his wife, advocating for a shift in these perspectives to promote equality and protect women. This call for change was made during the Fathers4Equality Recognition Awards and Traditional Leaders Conference 2026 held in Abuja.

Organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, this conference focused on reddefining fatherhood for equality and justice. Participants at the event discussed the importance of raising boys who respect women as equals while ensuring girls develop confidence and recognize their own value. The conference participants emphasized that the fight for gender justice should extend beyond legal frameworks and government policies, stating that fundamental change must begin within families and traditional institutions.

In his Royal Declaration, the Och’Idoma outlined the 25 practices deemed harmful, including child marriage, domestic violence, preferential treatment of male children, unequal inheritance, female genital mutilation, and the notion that bride price signifies ownership of a woman by her husband. The traditional ruler urged fathers to treat their daughters with the same care, opportunities, and support as they do their sons.

He also challenged attendees to return to their communities and implement the conference resolutions. The conference ultimately advocated for a new understanding of fatherhood, grounded in responsibility, compassion, and equality, while highlighting the role traditional rulers and community leaders can play in dismantling harmful gender norms.