The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, has led traditional spiritual rites invoking ancestral curses against kidnappers, armed robbers, ritual killers, bandits and other criminals operating in Edo State.

The rituals, held on Thursday at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City, brought together priests, priestesses, traditional healers and worshippers from different shrines across Edo South as part of efforts to confront rising insecurity in the state.

Traditionalists gather at Benin Palace

Participants dressed in traditional red “Ododo” attire assembled at the palace, where they offered libations, chanted prayers and invoked ancestral powers against criminals, their collaborators and sponsors.

The exercise followed earlier directives issued by the monarch, who said the spiritual intervention would complement ongoing security operations by government agencies.

Traditional worshippers associated with deities including Aiyelala, Olokun and Osokpikan, as well as members of the Iwebo society and traditional physicians, participated in the ceremony.

Oba backs fight against insecurity

Palace officials said the exercise was aimed at supporting efforts by security agencies and the Edo State Government to curb kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

Chief Osemwonta Iguezigbon, head of the Ewaise palace group, and Clement Edegbe, Chief Priest of the Aiyelala deity, said the rituals were necessary to confront criminality and restore peace across the state.

They also expressed concern over the growing rate of kidnappings and the decline in respect for traditional values.

Reactions trail spiritual intervention

The ceremony has generated mixed reactions on social media.

While many Nigerians praised the Oba for taking a cultural and spiritual stand against insecurity, others argued that stronger policing, effective law enforcement and improved governance remain the most sustainable solutions to the country’s security challenges.

The development comes as Edo State continues to battle kidnapping and other violent crimes, with both traditional institutions and government authorities seeking new ways to improve public safety.

Priests, priestesses and traditionalists gather in Benin Kingdom, reportedly placing c¥rses on k+dnappers and other cr+minals causing unrest pic.twitter.com/97vohBXO6f

— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) July 3, 2026