The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on traditional rulers across Yorubaland to harness ancestral values and traditional institutions in the fight against rising banditry and kidnapping in the region.
Speaking at the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa Festival in Ile-Ife, the revered monarch expressed concern over the worsening security situation and urged monarchs to strengthen collaboration with one another, government authorities, and security agencies to rid their domains of criminal elements.
According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, the Ooni said traditional rulers must combine their spiritual heritage, communal values, and leadership responsibilities to restore peace and ensure the safety of their people.
He stressed that insecurity remains a major challenge confronting the country and noted that sustainable peace can only be achieved through collective responsibility and national unity.
The monarch also commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity, while emphasizing that government alone cannot solve the nation’s security problems.
As part of activities marking the festival, the Ooni offered special prayers for the safe release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states, describing the incidents as painful and unacceptable.
He urged traditional institutions, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and citizens to unite in support of efforts aimed at securing the country and preserving peace across Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.
