A solemn procession was held in Lagos to honour the late Barrister Temitope Felicia Odu, a 56 year old wife, mother and newly called member of the Nigerian Bar, whose life was tragically cut short in an act of domestic violence. The memorial walk, convened by the Gnosis Help Initiative in collaboration with several rights organizations, took place along Sabo Road, Yaba, drawing a large gathering of lawyers, activists and concerned citizens.
The event, described as a transitional walk, symbolized both grief and resolve; a shared call to confront the realities of domestic violence that continue to claim lives across the country.
Barrister Olumide Omosebi, convener of the Gnosis Help Initiative, led the march and expressed deep concern over the lack of institutional frameworks addressing the horrors of domestic abuse. He stressed the urgent need for the government to create sustainable support systems that promote sensitization and awareness, so victims no longer suffer in silence or face stigma for walking away from abusive relationships. He emphasized that religion must never be used as a justification for violence and no one should be deceived into staying in a dangerous union under the guise of divine disapproval of divorce.
The Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ikorodu Branch, Lagos State, Barrister Maureen Bolowotan, also spoke during the event, mourning the death of Barrister Odu. She underscored the necessity for more consistent public education and sensitization across Nigeria, particularly for women in vulnerable situations. She reiterated FIDA’s commitment to promoting self-worth and self-preservation, urging women to prioritize their safety above societal expectations or unsafe marriages.
From the DOHS Cares Foundation, Ololade Ajayi, who coordinates the femicide observatory program, shared alarming data showing that a woman or girl is killed every 49 hours in Nigeria by an intimate partner. She revealed that Barrister Odu was the 162nd documented victim of femicide in 2025, according to their tracking system. Ajayi called for collective vigilance, urging women and girls to speak out and seek help before abuse escalates to fatality.
Another participant, Shola Fatoye, highlighted the importance of amplifying women’s voices in discussions about safety, justice and equality. She noted that for too long, victims’ stories have been buried under cultural expectations and it was time to ensure that women’s experiences are heard and respected.
Domestic violence advocate Anthonia Ojenagbon added that the tragedy of Barrister Odu’s death should awaken the conscience of the nation. She recounted how the victim had endured physical and emotional abuse from her husband, Christopher Odu, for over 25 years before the abuse ultimately led to her death. Ojenagbon called on both men and women to walk away from violent situations and seek safety rather than endurance, emphasizing that no relationship is worth one’s life.
As the walk concluded, participants observed a moment of silence for Barrister Odu and other victims of domestic violence. The event served as both a memorial and a renewed movement, a call for justice, awareness and protection for women everywhere.
