The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on traditional rulers across Yorubaland to deploy ancestral and traditional means in the fight against rising banditry and kidnapping across the region.
The revered monarch made the call at the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa festival, where he expressed deep concern over worsening insecurity and stressed the need for stronger collaboration among monarchs, government, and security agencies to restore peace and order.
According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, on Sunday, the monarch charged traditional rulers to deepen cooperation within their domains and support national security efforts against criminal elements.
“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 acknowledging that insecurity remains a major challenge for the federal government, the monarch commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing efforts to address security threats across the country.
He, however, 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 festival’s spiritual activities, the Ooni also offered 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 for divine intervention for the immediate freedom of the victims and comfort for their families.
Packaged by Temitayo Afolabi
