The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has directed traditionalists across the Edo South Senatorial District to intensify spiritual efforts against banditry and other violent crimes by invoking curses on such activities.
He issued the directive during a palace meeting in Benin City with traditional practitioners, including native doctors, priests, and priestesses.
The monarch said the move, which he attributed to guidance from God and ancestral authority, was in response to Nigeria’s worsening security situation and aimed at complementing government efforts to curb criminality.
He also ordered the traditionalists to begin a week-long spiritual intervention to pray against the spread of banditry in parts of the country.
He said the spiritual exercise will climax at 6 a.m. at the Oba’s palace on Thursday, July 2, 2026, when they will lay curses against evil doers and their collaborators, assuring that God Almighty and his royal ancestors will not allow the machinations of the wicked to prevail in any part of Nigeria.
“This message is from the ancestors. That is what we want Edo people at home and in the diaspora to hear. They (criminals) are aware that God Almighty and our ancestors will not allow their evil work to prevail against Edo State.
“The past Obas in Benin will not allow their wishes to prevail. They (criminals) have been causing confusion. It is time they give up on their activities,” Oba Ewuare said.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin, reaffirmed Oba Ewuare II’s directive and encouraged traditionalists to remain committed to their spiritual duties.
He added that the Benin Palace has stepped up spiritual consultations and behind-the-scenes coordination to strengthen ongoing traditional efforts in that direction.
