Deploy Ancestral Powers Against Bandits, Ooni Tells Yoruba Monarchs, Ifa Worshippers

Deploy Ancestral Powers Against Bandits, Ooni Tells Yoruba Monarchs, Ifa Worshippers

Ile-Ife, Nigeria – The Ooni of Ife and Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called for an end to banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities threatening lives and livelihoods across Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

The revered monarch made the call on Sunday at his Ile-Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, during the grand finale of the 2026 World Ifa Festival. According to a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni—who also serves as the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN)—expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in parts of the country and urged all stakeholders to join hands with government authorities in restoring peace and safety.

The Ooni specifically called on traditional rulers across Yorubaland to strengthen collaboration among themselves and work closely with security agencies to combat criminal elements operating within their domains. He stressed that traditional rulers must take greater responsibility in safeguarding their communities while supporting the efforts of the government and security agencies.

“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 in safeguarding their communities while supporting the efforts of the government and security agencies,” the Ooni stated.

Oba Ogunwusi further urged Ifa devotees and traditional worshippers across the country to deploy the spiritual and cultural resources embedded in African traditional institutions in the fight against insecurity.

“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 added.

While acknowledging that insecurity remains a major challenge for the Federal Government, the monarch commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the ongoing efforts of his administration in tackling insecurity across the country. He noted that although challenges remain, the government has demonstrated commitment towards addressing security concerns. He stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through collective responsibility and national unity.

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“This is a time for unity. 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 comfort affected families.

The Ooni’s ancestral prayers followed the abduction of over 40 schoolchildren, including toddlers, and seven teachers during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. The affected schools include Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle; and L.A. Primary School. During the attacks, gunmen reportedly killed one teacher and later beheaded another teacher while in captivity.

According to reports, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has repeatedly assured residents that the government is working “round the clock” to secure the release of the victims, revealing that federal security personnel had been actively involved in the rescue mission for weeks. The governor disclosed that several suspects, including alleged informants and logistics suppliers linked to the attackers, had been arrested, and security operatives continuing rescue efforts reportedly encountered improvised explosive devices planted by the kidnappers.

Similarly, in Mussa, Borno State, gunmen attacked three educational institutions and abducted more than 50 children, most of them between the ages of two and five years. The affected schools were Government Day Secondary School, Mussa Central Primary School, and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Secondary School.

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has called for the immediate and safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers, warning that the incidents pose a serious threat to education and child protection in the country. “The UN Resident Coordinator is deeply saddened that these school children and their teachers are still being held by armed groups. Schools must remain safe havens for learning and not places of fear. Children should never be a target,” Fall said.

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Also reacting to the security situation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has advised South West governments to empower Amotekun and vigilante groups like the Oduduwa Peoples Congress (OPC) and Iru Ekun in order to halt the advance of bandits. In a statement issued on Friday, the Executive Director of the group, Professor Ishaq Akintola, noted that the recent incursion of bandits into Oyo State, where they killed a teacher and kidnapped dozens of pupils and teachers, has heightened security concerns in the South West.

Speaking at the World Ifa Festival event, the Araba Awo Agbaye, Chief Awodotun Aworeni, urged Nigerians to embrace their cultural heritage and uphold the moral teachings embedded in Ifa tradition. According to him, Ifa remains a divine source of wisdom, guidance, and moral direction capable of fostering peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.

“The message of this year’s World Ifa Festival revolves around peace, unity, good relationships with fellow human beings, respect for elders, and collective responsibility for societal progress. If humanity embraces these values, the world will become a better place,” the Araba Awo Agbaye stated.

Also speaking, a tourist from Brazil, Paulo Silva, expressed admiration for the richness of Yoruba culture and the spiritual significance of the festival. He said his participation in the event deepened his understanding of African traditional heritage and strengthened the cultural connection between Africa and the African diaspora.

“I am deeply impressed by the preservation of Yoruba culture and traditions. The World Ifa Festival has provided an opportunity for people from different parts of the world to reconnect with their roots and appreciate the enduring relevance of African civilization,” he said.

He also commended the Ooni of Ife for his relentless efforts in promoting Yoruba culture, African spirituality, tourism, and cultural diplomacy on the global stage.

The Ooni’s call to action comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in the South-West region. By urging monarchs and Ifa devotees to collectively invoke ancestral powers, Oba Ogunwusi has positioned the traditional institution as a critical partner in restoring peace and safety across Yorubaland, emphasizing that while the government has demonstrated commitment, sustainable peace requires collective effort from all stakeholders.

Deploy Ancestral Powers Against Bandits, Ooni Tells Yoruba Monarchs, Ifa Worshippers