The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has urged the judiciary to eliminate procedural delays and prioritise the speedy adjudication of sexual violence cases. She further called on members of the Bar to render pro bono legal services to survivors, ensuring that victims of sexual assault are not denied access to justice due to financial constraints.
Represented by Justice Adedokun Jibodu, Justice Dipeolu delivered a keynote address titled “Strengthening Legal Pathways for Survivors of Sexual Violence” at a women empowerment programme organised by Headforth Foundation under the theme “Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence.”
Justice Dipeolu reminded participants that the judiciary’s core mandate is to provide redress, protect the vulnerable, and uphold the rule of law. Stressing the gravity of sexual violence, she echoed the words of Justice Chima Nweze, describing it as “a fundamental assault on human dignity.”
While acknowledging the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law of Ogun State (2017) as a robust framework, she urged stakeholders to strengthen its implementation. She emphasised that sexual violence cases must be fast-tracked, In-camera proceedings and screened testimony should be adopted to shield survivors from intimidation and judicial pronouncements must reflect both the seriousness of the offence and the intent of the legislature.
Quoting the late Justice Kayode Eso, she reminded the legal community that “the law respects no person or status.” Justice, she stressed, must remain impartial and accessible, regardless of the accused’s influence or social standing.
Justice Dipeolu charged lawyers to guide survivors through the justice process, offer pro bono representation and hold institutions accountable for lapses in protecting victims.
She further called on the Nigeria Police Force to establish Gender Desks across divisions, ensuring sensitive and professional handling of sexual violence complaints. She highlighted that the first contact survivors have with law enforcement can either re-traumatise or begin the process of healing. Evidence preservation, empathetic statement-taking, and urgent investigations were identified as critical.
Justice Dipeolu underscored the importance of medical institutions, noting that the Police Medical Form is not mere paperwork but foundational forensic evidence. Hospitals, she said, must serve as sanctuaries of care and centres of forensic excellence to support credible prosecutions.
Commending NGOs such as Headforth Foundation, she urged deeper collaboration between civil society, the judiciary, and the public to strengthen survivor support systems. She called on religious and community leaders to combat victim-blaming and foster safe environments for survivors.
Oluwakemi Adenekan, Programme Manager of Headforth Foundation for Justice, explained that the initiative seeks to bridge systemic gaps through free legal aid, human rights advocacy, and public education. She noted that stigma and lack of awareness often deter survivors from seeking justice.
The programme, supported by African Women Development Fund, FIDA, Nigerian Bar Association, Gender Development Initiatives, and Arogi Traumacare Foundation, aims to educate women—particularly in rural communities—on how to access justice.
Notable speakers included Prof. Olubunmi Ashimolowo (Executive Director, Gender Development Initiative), Mrs Oluwatoyin Orelaja (Centre Manager, Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Sagamu), Mrs Taiwo Olusesi (Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers), and representatives of the police.
