The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on traditional rulers across Yorubaland to deploy ancestral and traditional means to tackle the growing threat of banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities affecting the region.
The revered monarch made the call during the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa Festival, where he expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in parts of the Southwest and other regions of the country.
According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, the Ooni urged traditional rulers to strengthen cooperation among themselves and work closely with security agencies to rid their communities of criminal elements.
Speaking at the event, the monarch stressed the importance of combining traditional values, spiritual heritage, and community-based solutions in the fight against insecurity.
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“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.”
The Ooni further emphasized that traditional rulers have a crucial role to play in safeguarding their communities and supporting government efforts to restore peace and order.
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He stated that the growing menace of banditry and kidnapping requires a united response from all stakeholders, insisting that citizens deserve to live and move freely without fear.
While acknowledging insecurity as one of the major challenges confronting the nation, the Ooni commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration for ongoing efforts to address the problem across the country.
The monarch noted that lasting peace can only be achieved through collective responsibility, urging traditional institutions, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and citizens to support government initiatives aimed at improving national security.
As part of activities marking the annual Ifa Festival, the Ooni also offered special ancestral prayers for the safe release of schoolchildren and teachers recently abducted in attacks in Oyo State and Borno State.
Describing the incidents as painful and unacceptable, he prayed for divine intervention to secure the immediate freedom of the victims and bring comfort to their families.
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The Ooni concluded by calling for unity among Nigerians, stressing that the fight against insecurity must remain a shared responsibility for the peace, stability, and development of the nation.
