In a dramatic traditional response to the growing wave of insecurity in Edo State, hundreds of traditional priests, priestesses, native doctors and custodians of Benin spiritual heritage on Thursday converged at the Palace of the Oba of Benin to invoke ancestral curses against kidnappers, bandits, armed robbers, ritual killers and other violent criminals operating within the kingdom and across Nigeria.
The elaborate spiritual exercise, initiated by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, formed part of efforts by the Benin Traditional Council to complement the work of security agencies and government in tackling kidnapping, cult-related violence and other crimes that have continued to threaten lives and livelihoods in Edo State.
The ceremony began with a solemn procession from within the palace grounds to the main entrance of the Oba’s Palace in Benin City, where participants, adorned in traditional regalia and carrying symbolic spiritual objects, performed age-old rituals, poured libations and invoked the authority of the ancestors against those responsible for bloodshed, abductions and violent crimes.
The Chief Priest of the Ayelala deity, Chief Clement Edegbe, lamented what he described as the erosion of moral values and increasing disregard for traditional authority, noting that the rise in kidnappings and other crimes necessitated extraordinary action.
He maintained that the spiritual exercise would not only confront criminals spiritually but would also strengthen communal efforts to restore order throughout the kingdom.
Similarly, the Oyeoba of Benin, Chief Isaac Oghafua Ogiemwense, explained that the rites were intended to spiritually fortify the land against insecurity and reinforce peace across communities.
Traditional priestess Constance Eguavon commended the Oba for reviving ancient Benin customs in the fight against insecurity, describing the initiative as a necessary intervention at a time when residents are increasingly worried about kidnappings, armed attacks and other violent crimes.
The latest action by the Benin Traditional Council comes amid growing concern over repeated cases of abductions along highways and within communities in Edo State, despite ongoing security operations by law enforcement agencies.
In addition to mobilising traditional worshippers, Oba Ewuare II recently directed youth leaders, known as Okaigheles, across the seven local government areas of the Benin Kingdom to establish community advisory committees to support intelligence gathering and strengthen collaboration with relevant security authorities.
The palace said the combined traditional and community-based initiatives are designed to reinforce existing government efforts, restore confidence among residents and ensure that peace, safety and stability return to Edo communities.
The spiritual exercise has attracted widespread public attention, with many residents viewing it as one of the most significant traditional interventions against insecurity in recent years and a revival of the Benin Kingdom’s longstanding role in promoting justice, social order and communal peace.
