Ooni urges Yoruba monarchs to deploy traditional means against banditry

By Shina Abubakar Osogbo

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has tasked traditional rulers across Yorubaland to deploy ancestral means to tackle the growing menace of bandits across the region.

Oba Ogunwusi, while expressing concern over the spread of insecurity in the region, urged traditional rulers to collaborate with the government to restore peace and order.

A statement issued by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, on Sunday, stated that the monarch, while speaking at the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa festival, tasked traditional rulers across Yorubaland to strengthen collaboration among themselves and work closely with security agencies to combat criminal elements operating within their domains.

“We must bring together our traditional powers, spiritual heritage, and communal values to chase bandits, kidnappers, and all criminal elements out of Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole. Our ancestors stood for justice, peace, and communal harmony, and we must invoke those values at this critical time.

“We must rise collectively against the menace of banditry and kidnapping. Enough is enough. Our people deserve to live in peace and move freely without fear. Traditional rulers must take greater responsibility for safeguarding their communities while supporting the government and security agencies.

While stressing that insecurity remains a critical challenge for the Federal Government, the revered monarch commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the ongoing efforts of his administration in tackling the menace across the country.

He stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through collective responsibility and national unity.

“This is a time for unity. The government alone cannot solve the security challenges facing the nation. Traditional institutions, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and citizens must work together in support of ongoing efforts to secure our country,” the Ooni said.

As part of the spiritual activities marking the festival, the Ooni offered special ancestral prayers for the safe release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states.

He described the incidents as painful and unacceptable, praying that divine intervention would secure the immediate freedom of all victims and comfort affected families.[‘

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