The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, has directed traditionalists in the Edo South Senatorial District to launch “spiritual warfare” against perpetrators of banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
The revered monarch issued the directive on Tuesday during a crucial meeting with native doctors, priests, and priestesses at his palace in Benin City.
Oba Ewuare II stated that the instruction was divinely inspired by God Almighty and the royal ancestors, driven by the urgent need to restore peace and order in the region.
The Oba emphasised that traditional institutions must work hand-in-hand with government initiatives — including the planned establishment of special courts for armed robbery, kidnapping, ritual crimes, and related offences — to serve as a strong deterrent to criminals.
He ordered the commencement of a week-long spiritual exercise aimed at interceding for the land and protecting the people. The exercise is expected to reach its peak at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, at the Oba’s Palace, where curses will be pronounced on evildoers and all those aiding them.
“The message is from the ancestors. Edo people at home and in the diaspora should hear this,” the Oba declared. “The criminals know that God Almighty and our ancestors will not allow their evil to prevail in Edo.”
He further warned that past Obas of the Benin Kingdom never tolerated criminality and urged those involved in unlawful activities to immediately desist before it is too late.
Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin, who spoke on behalf of the palace, reinforced the monarch’s directive. He called on the traditionalists not to relent in performing their various spiritual rites and assured them that the Benin Palace has been actively engaged in intensive spiritual consultations and coordination on this matter.
The development reflects the Benin traditional institution’s deep commitment to complementing conventional security measures with cultural and spiritual approaches in the fight against crime. Many residents have welcomed the move, seeing it as a significant cultural intervention at a time when insecurity continues to challenge communities across the state.
As the spiritual exercise unfolds, expectations are high that this combined traditional and governmental approach will help restore lasting peace and security in Edo South and beyond.
