BENIN CITY, Nigeria – The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, has directed traditional worshippers, native doctors, priests and priestesses across Edo South Senatorial District to embark on what he described as a “spiritual warfare” against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The monarch gave the directive on Tuesday during a meeting with traditional religious practitioners at his palace in Benin City, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Oba Ewuare II said the instruction was inspired by God Almighty and the royal ancestors in response to the growing insecurity across the country, stressing that traditional institutions must complement government efforts to tackle crime.
He ordered the traditionalists to begin a week-long spiritual exercise aimed at interceding for the land and seeking divine intervention against criminal activities.
According to the monarch, the exercise will culminate at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, at the Oba’s Palace, where curses will be pronounced on criminals and their collaborators.
“The message is from the ancestors. Edo people at home and in the diaspora should hear this. The criminals know that God Almighty and our ancestors will not allow their evil to prevail in Edo,” the Oba was quoted as saying.
He added that previous Obas of Benin never allowed criminality to thrive in the kingdom and urged those involved in criminal activities to abandon their actions.
Speaking at the gathering, the Akenuwa of Benin, Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, reiterated the monarch’s position and called on traditional worshippers not to relent in carrying out their various rites.
Osamwonyi disclosed that the Benin Palace had intensified spiritual consultations and coordination efforts behind the scenes as part of measures to address insecurity in the state.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government announced plans to establish special courts to handle cases involving armed robbery, kidnapping, ritual killings and related offences. The government said the initiative is aimed at accelerating the prosecution of criminal cases, ensuring swift justice and serving as a deterrent to potential offenders.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
