Oba Of Benin Summons Traditional Doctors Over Rising Insecurity

Rita Enemuru, Reporting 

THE Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has convened an emergency meeting of traditional doctors across the Benin Kingdom as part of efforts to address the growing security challenges facing Edo State and the country.

In a public announcement issued on Thursday, 19 June 2026, and authorised by the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, the palace said the decision was prompted by the prevailing security situation within Edo State and Nigeria at large.

The statement noted that the monarch had deemed it necessary to explore “all traditional and strategic means” to complement government efforts aimed at restoring peace, order and security within the kingdom.

According to the announcement, the Benin Traditional Council, acting under the authority of the Oba, has invited all Igiohen N’ Ikpia and Igiohen N’ Ikhuo—traditional doctors in the Benin Kingdom—to attend the emergency gathering.

The meeting is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, at 12 noon at Ugha Ozolua, Oba Palace, Benin City.

The council directed all invited traditional practitioners to attend in person, stressing that compliance is mandatory.

“Having taken due cognizance of the prevailing security situation within Edo State and the Nation at large, His Royal Majesty… has deemed it necessary and expedient to further explore all traditional and strategic means to complement the initiatives of Government towards the restoration of peace, order, and security in our domain,” the statement read.

It added that the notice should be treated with “the utmost urgency”.

The announcement was signed on behalf of the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council by Chief Asiriuwa Victor Nosakhare, the Obarisiuwa N’Iweguae.

The development underscores the palace’s determination to contribute to ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity, which has remained a major concern in Edo State and across several parts of the country.