Traditional rulers across Yorubaland are considering invoking ancestral deities and deploying other indigenous spiritual mechanisms as complementary measures to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in the South-West.
The move comes amid persistent insecurity in the region, where communities continue to grapple with increasing cases of abductions and violent attacks. It also follows a call by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who urged traditional rulers to embrace ancestral means in addressing the growing security challenges.
The Ooni, who is the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, made the appeal during the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa Festival, where he also called on traditional rulers to collaborate with government authorities to restore peace and order.
The South-West has witnessed a surge in kidnappings and violent crimes in recent times, with more than 40 teachers and pupils from three schools in Yawota and Esinle communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State still being held hostage.
Traditional rulers back indigenous measures
Speaking on the development, the Olowu of Owu-Kuta in Osun State, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, disclosed that traditional rulers were seriously considering deploying ancient inherited deities to confront invading bandits and kidnappers.
According to him, many Yoruba monarchs believe in the potency of traditional deities regardless of their personal religious beliefs.
He revealed that some communities had already begun implementing such measures but noted that others were proceeding cautiously because of possible implications for local trade and commerce.
Oba Oyelude stressed that the South-West could not rely solely on the Federal Government to address insecurity, adding that communities must support government efforts through all available lawful means. He called on Christians to deploy prayers and Psalms, Muslims to recite Quranic verses, and traditionalists to invoke the spirit of the land to protect legitimate inhabitants from invaders.
Similarly, the Ondo State Chairman of the Council of Obas and the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, said his kingdom was also considering traditional measures to safeguard its people against banditry and other security threats.
He maintained that Yoruba traditional institutions had historically served as custodians of both the physical and spiritual well-being of their communities and that there was nothing unusual about adopting indigenous mechanisms to protect lives and property.
Oba Ogunoye also reiterated his support for the creation of state police, saying that combining state policing with traditional methods would significantly improve community security.
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, disclosed that meetings were ongoing in his kingdom to consider the use of traditional mechanisms to defend communities against terrorists. He, however, stressed that any action would be taken within the confines of the law to prevent abuse or illegality.
He added that traditional institutions were already working with local vigilante groups and expressed optimism that the results of these efforts would soon become evident.
Also speaking, the Onimeko of Imekoland in Ogun State, Oba Benjamen Olanite, said there was increasing pressure from community members for traditional rulers to deploy indigenous spiritual mechanisms to address the worsening security situation.
Another monarch explained that using traditional methods to fight criminality was consistent with the way Yoruba ancestors protected their communities, adding that there was nothing wrong with deploying indigenous means to combat insecurity. He, however, cautioned that such measures must remain within the bounds of the law and respect for human rights.
The Olu of Imasayi in Ogun State, Oba Lukmon Kuoye, also stated that traditional institutions possessed indigenous protective mechanisms capable of securing communities and border areas but emphasized the need for proper legal backing.
He urged the National Assembly to grant traditional rulers defined constitutional roles, arguing that this would enable them to contribute more effectively to the fight against kidnapping and banditry.
According to him, traditional institutions have several protective methods that could be deployed, including charms believed to secure community boundaries against invaders without physical confrontation.
Traditionalists express readiness to collaborate
Traditionalists have expressed their willingness to work with traditional rulers to tackle insecurity across Yorubaland, insisting that indigenous spiritual systems remain an important but underutilized tool for protecting communities.
The leader of Ijo Orunmila Ifa Koseunti, Ifaniyi Akinside, said the monarchs’ call reflected the urgent need to revive cultural practices that historically safeguarded communities.
He explained that different Yoruba deities serve specific purposes, citing the Oro deity as one invoked to ward off danger and river spirits as protectors against invaders and their collaborators.
Akinside maintained that the Ooni was not calling for armed confrontation but rather encouraging spiritual engagement against criminals. He argued that traditionalists could spiritually fortify borders, create confusion within criminal camps, and prevent attacks through indigenous practices.
Another traditionalist and Ifa priest, Ifashina Atanda, urged South-West governors to dedicate part of their security votes to traditional interventions, insisting that government efforts alone might not be sufficient without the involvement of indigenous spiritual leaders.
He stated that consultations with the Ifa oracle could reveal impending dangers, their timing, and possible preventive measures, thereby helping authorities take early action against security threats.
Atanda further argued that every South-West state has its own deity that should be consulted and appeased regularly to prevent the invasion of evil, while emphasizing that such practices do not stop Christians and Muslims from practising their respective faiths.
Traditionalist and Nollywood actor Pa Peter Fatomilola also called on the government to explore indigenous methods alongside conventional security strategies. He said Yoruba cultural heritage provides protective tools that could help defend communities against attacks and encouraged citizens to embrace lawful traditional protective measures.
Gani Adams advocates combined spiritual and physical approach
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and National Leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress, Gani Adams, called for a combined spiritual and physical response to the worsening insecurity across the South-West.
He urged traditional rulers, traditional worshippers, Muslims, Christians, and security stakeholders to work together, stressing that the security challenge requires a collective approach beyond any single belief system.
According to Adams, spiritual intervention remains an important component of addressing insecurity through consultations and prayers across different religious platforms. He added that while traditional worshippers should intensify consultations with deities for the protection of the land, clerics of other faiths should also contribute through their respective spiritual obligations.
ADEOLA KUNLE
No comments:
Post a Comment