Lagos State Child Protection Network has condemned a new movie produced by a Nollywood actor, Yomi Fabiyi.
The state coordinator of the right group, Mrs Aderonke Oyelakin in a statement released over the movie expressed disappointment in Fabiyi who she believed should have been a role model in society.
Fabiyi had produced a movie that mimics the ordeal of another Nollywood actor, Baba Ijesha who allegedly defiled a minor.
The movie had attracted several critics to the actor who believed such an act was not glorifying.
While condemning the movie, Oyelakin said Fabiyi had violated the child rights act by mimicking what happened to a minor involved in Baba Ijesha’s case.
The statement read: “Lagos State Coordinator, Child Protection Network, an Initiative of UNICEF has condemned the act of any human using the story of a minor for selfish reasons or purpose. It is important to stress that the process of any survivor’s healing varies and this solely depends on the support she receives internally (inner strength) and externally (the society).
“When a woman or girl survives gender-based violence, you would think that she could expect justice. If she survives a rape, for example, you will think she could expect that the perpetrator would be prosecuted for his crime… not that he could marry her to avoid prosecution if she is under 18.
“The discriminatory treatment of sexual violence survivors in Nigeria, Lagos in particular will not be accepted by anyone irrespective of your status in the society.
“As a survivor of this ugly experience, I joined other activists to lend my voice and to speak up for the rights of women and children.
“A popular comedian I respect so much once said ‘RAPE IS NO JOKE, Don’t Make A Joke Of It, It is a matter of the heart and its effect can be long lasting cutting through one’s entire being.
“RAPE is a crime, and rapists must not be granted impunity (whether their victim is under 18 or not)!
“Any action or act rooted in shaming of women and girls that stigmatize rape and survivors. It’s time for authorities across the board to abolish paternalistic laws that shame and re-victimize women. The governments must ensure that women’s voices are heard and that laws bring perpetrators/accomplices to justice and protect survivors.
“In addition, once an allegation has been presented to court inform of charge against a defendant, everyone is stopped from discussing it until judgment is given. So, how come Mr. Yomi Fabiyi had the audacity to do a video with Baba Ijesha’s case. The movie is presently on YouTube and several social media handles.
“The movie is the reenactment of Baba Ijesha’s case with the real names of those involved. This is not accepted, and as a stakeholder in matters of children, we want to plead with everyone to desist from such an act and this also includes sharing videos of minors reportedly abused.
“Together we can end violence against women and children.!”