The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on traditional rulers across Yorubaland to utilise ancestral methods to confront the rising threat of banditry in the region.
Expressing deep concern over the escalating insecurity, Oba Ogunwusi urged traditional rulers to join forces with the government to restore peace and order within their communities.
A statement issued by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, on Sunday noted that the monarch made this call during the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa festival, where he emphasised the importance of collaboration among traditional rulers and cooperation with security agencies to combat criminal activities in their domains.
“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,” he stated.
“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,” he added.
While acknowledging that insecurity remains a significant challenge for the Federal Government, the revered monarch commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the ongoing efforts of his administration to address the issue across the country.
He 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 spiritual activities marking the festival, the Ooni offered special 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 that divine intervention would secure the immediate freedom of all victims and provide comfort to affected families.
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