The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has directed traditional worshippers across the Edo South Senatorial District to intensify spiritual efforts against banditry and other violent crimes by invoking curses on perpetrators and their collaborators.
The monarch gave the directive during a meeting at his palace in Benin City with traditional practitioners, including native doctors, priests and priestesses.
According to the revered monarch, the move, inspired by divine guidance and ancestral authority, is aimed at complementing government efforts to tackle the country’s worsening insecurity.
Oba Ewuare II also ordered a week-long spiritual exercise to pray against the spread of banditry and related crimes across parts of Nigeria. The exercise will culminate at 6 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Oba’s Palace, where traditionalists will invoke curses against criminals and those aiding them.
“This message is from the ancestors. That is what we want Edo people at home and in the diaspora to hear. God Almighty and our ancestors will not allow evil to prevail against Edo State,” the monarch declared.
He added that past Benin monarchs would not permit the plans of criminals to succeed, stressing that those behind violence and insecurity should abandon their activities.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional groups, Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin, reaffirmed the Oba’s directive and urged traditionalists to remain steadfast in carrying out their spiritual responsibilities.
He disclosed that the Benin Palace has intensified spiritual consultations and coordination efforts to strengthen ongoing traditional interventions aimed at combating insecurity.
