The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has shared with other Yoruba monarchs how the Southwest can checkmate bandits.
He spoke amidst spiraling cases of security breaches and concerted responses by the different governments and agencies
Oba Ogunwusi, while expressing concern over the spread of insecurity tasked traditional rulers across Yorubaland to deploy ancestral means.
He said they should collaborate with the government in addition.
The monarch, gave the antidote while speaking at the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa festival, according to a statement issued today by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare.
“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”, he said.
“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”, his royal majesty stated.
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Expatiating on the novel idea to contain banditry, Oba Ogunwusi told other Yoruba monarchs: “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.
Describing recent abductions as painful and unacceptable, the Ooni prayed for divine intervention to secure the immediate freedom of all victims and comfort affected families.
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