Oba of Benin Orders Spiritual Warfare Against Kidnapping, Banditry

THE Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has directed traditional worshippers, native doctors, priests and priestesses across Edo South Senatorial District to embark on a week-long spiritual exercise aimed at combating banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The monarch gave the directive on Tuesday during a meeting with traditional religious practitioners at his palace in Benin City, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Oba Ewuare II, whose full royal title is Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, said the initiative was inspired by God Almighty and the royal ancestors in response to rising insecurity across the country.

He stressed that traditional institutions must complement government efforts in tackling crime and restoring peace to communities.

The Oba instructed the traditionalists to commence what he described as a “spiritual warfare” against criminality, urging them to intercede for the land and seek divine intervention to end violent crimes.

According to the monarch, the spiritual exercise will culminate at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, at the Oba’s Palace, where curses will be pronounced on criminals and those aiding their activities.

“The message is from the ancestors. Edo people at home and in the diaspora should hear this. The criminals know that God Almighty and our ancestors will not allow their evil to prevail in Edo,” the Oba said.

He further noted that previous Obas of Benin never allowed criminality to flourish within the kingdom and called on those engaged in unlawful activities to renounce their actions.

Also speaking at the gathering, the Akenuwa of Benin, Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, reaffirmed the monarch’s position and urged traditional worshippers to remain steadfast in carrying out their spiritual duties.

Osamwonyi revealed that the Benin Palace had intensified spiritual consultations and coordination efforts as part of wider measures to address insecurity in Edo State.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has announced plans to establish special courts to handle cases involving armed robbery, kidnapping, ritual killings and related offences.

The government said the proposed courts would accelerate the prosecution of criminal cases, ensure the swift administration of justice and serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders.