•••Ooni urges monarchs to deploy ancestral powers, strengthen ties with security agencies
Traditional rulers across Yorubaland are considering a renewed deployment of indigenous spiritual institutions and ancestral values as part of efforts to combat rising cases of banditry and kidnapping in the region.
The move follows a call by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who urged Yoruba monarchs to harness traditional powers and communal values to confront criminal elements threatening peace and security across the South-West.
Speaking during the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State, the revered monarch stressed the need for greater collaboration among traditional rulers, communities and security agencies in tackling the growing menace of insecurity.
According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Moses Olafare, the Ooni said traditional institutions must not remain passive in the face of increasing incidents of abduction and violent attacks.
“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,” the monarch was quoted as saying.
Oba Ogunwusi noted that while government security efforts should be supported, the responsibility of safeguarding communities also rests with traditional institutions and other stakeholders.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing efforts to address insecurity nationwide, but maintained that lasting peace would require collective action involving governments, communities, religious leaders and custodians of culture.
The development comes amid persistent concerns over kidnapping and bandit attacks in parts of the South-West, with several traditional rulers and community leaders calling for stronger local mechanisms to complement conventional security operations.
Observers say the renewed emphasis on traditional institutions highlights growing concerns over insecurity and the search for broader approaches to restoring peace and protecting lives and property across the region.
