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Tag: Traditional leaders

  • Oba of Benin Performs Traditional Rituals, Places Ancestral Curses on Kidnappers and Criminals

    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.

  • Emir of Argungu Urges Nigerians to Legally Arm Themselves for Self-Defence Against Bandits

    The Emir of Argungu, Muhammad Samaila-Mera, has called on Nigerians, particularly residents of communities within his emirate, to legally acquire arms and strengthen local vigilance as part of efforts to defend themselves against persistent attacks by bandits and other criminal groups.

    The monarch made the appeal during a meeting with district, village and ward heads at his palace in Argungu, Kebbi State.

    Call for Community Self-Defence

    The Emir said communities must remain alert and take proactive steps to protect themselves, noting that insecurity has left many areas vulnerable.

    He also suggested that communities could collectively raise funds to purchase legally approved weapons for self-defence.

    “If you acquire such weapons legally, make sure the bandits are aware that your community possesses the means to defend itself. This alone can serve as a deterrent and discourage attacks,” he said.

    He stressed that the worsening security situation required stronger local involvement in protecting lives and property.

    ‘Islam Does Not Encourage Helplessness’ — Emir

    The traditional ruler said it was wrong for communities to remain passive in the face of repeated attacks.

    “It is not right for a Muslim to remain passive while criminals kill people, kidnap innocent citizens, and rape our women. Be prepared to defend yourselves, your families, and your communities against any attack,” he stated.

    He, however, expressed concern that many communities had become easy targets because they lacked adequate means of defence.

    According to him, cases of bandit attacks often leave residents fleeing, including community leaders, due to poor security preparedness.

    Warning Against Revenge and Ethnic Violence

    The Emir clarified that his position was not an endorsement of lawlessness or ethnic violence, but a call for lawful self-defence within legal limits.

    He warned against revenge attacks, stressing that such actions often fuel cycles of violence and deepen insecurity.

    He also noted that while some armed groups had left parts of the area, criminal elements still operate in collaboration with other networks, posing continued threats to residents.

    The monarch urged communities to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and uphold lawful conduct in responding to security challenges.

  • Ooni Of Ife Welcomes Twin Princes With Queen Mariam

    The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has welcomed twin princes with his wife, Mariam Ajibola.

    The revered monarch announced the birth of the twin boys in a message shared on his official Facebook page on Friday.

    Royal Family Celebrates New Arrival

    According to a statement released by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, both the mother and the newborn princes are in safe condition.

    The palace described the birth as a special blessing to the royal household and the entire House of Oduduwa.

    The Ooni also expressed gratitude to Almighty Olodumare for the successful delivery and appreciated Nigerians and well-wishers for their prayers and support.

    Four Years After Royal Wedding

    The monarch married Olori Mariam in 2022, months after his former wife, Naomi Silekunola, exited the marriage.

    Olori Mariam, who has a background in the oil and gas sector, was formally ushered into the palace after traditional rites were performed at the entrance of the royal premises.

    She is reportedly from Kogi State with family ties to Kwara State.

    Palace Offers Prayers For Newborn Princes

    In the statement, the Ooni prayed for the twin princes to grow in wisdom, peace, sound health and greatness.

    He also expressed hope that the children would become worthy ambassadors of Ile-Ife’s cultural heritage and the Yoruba race.

    The palace noted that the development called for thanksgiving and celebration across the royal family and among supporters of the throne.

  • Wike Bags ‘Hasken Abuja’ Title from FCT Traditional Rulers

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been conferred with the traditional title of “Hasken Abuja” by the FCT Traditional Rulers Council in recognition of his contributions to the development of the nation’s capital.

    Traditional rulers honour Wike

    The title was bestowed on Thursday by the council led by the Ona of Abaji, Dr Adamu Baba Yunusa, during a ceremony attended by key stakeholders.

    The monarchs said the honour reflects Wike’s efforts in driving visible development across Abuja since assuming office as FCT Minister.

    Recognition for infrastructure push

    According to the council, the minister has made notable strides in infrastructure, particularly in road construction, housing projects, and bridge development.

    His administration has also focused on opening up previously inaccessible rural roads to ease movement and improve connectivity within the FCT.

    Growing profile in Abuja leadership

    The conferment adds to Wike’s rising profile within the FCT, as his policies and projects continue to attract attention from both residents and traditional institutions.

    Observers say the recognition underscores the role of traditional rulers in acknowledging government performance at the grassroots level.

  • Osun Government Deposes Ipetumodu Monarch Oba Oloyede, Declares Stool Vacant After US Fraud Conviction

    The Osun State Government has officially deposed the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area, Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede, with immediate effect.

    The decision was announced on Monday following approval by the State Executive Council.

    Government Cites Law and Conviction

    In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the government said the action followed due consultation and legal review.

    It stated that the monarch’s conviction in the United States for COVID-19-related fraud influenced the decision.

    “Oba Oloyede… was removed in line with state laws governing traditional institutions,” the statement read.

    Staff of Office Withdrawn, Stool Declared Vacant

    The state government also announced the withdrawal of the monarch’s staff of office and other instruments of authority.

    This effectively declared the throne of Apetumodu of Ipetumodu vacant.

    It added that security agencies have been directed to maintain peace in the community while stakeholders are urged to remain calm.

    Legal Troubles in the United States

    Oba Oloyede, a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States, was sentenced in August 2025 to four years in prison for leading a COVID-19 loan fraud scheme.

    U.S. authorities said he exploited emergency loan programmes meant for struggling businesses, leading to millions of dollars in losses.

    He was also ordered to forfeit property and pay over $4.4 million in restitution.

    Succession Tensions in Ipetumodu

    The development has deepened tensions in Ipetumodu, with different ruling houses divided over the future of the stool.

    Some stakeholders had earlier called on the state government to declare the throne vacant and begin the process of selecting a new monarch.

    The government, however, said it will communicate the next steps in line with customary and legal procedures.

  • Bandits Abduct Kwara Monarch, Wife In Midnight Palace Attack

    Suspected bandits have abducted a traditional ruler, his wife, and another individual after attacking a palace in Olayinka community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State in the early hours of Saturday.

    The gunmen reportedly stormed the palace around 1:40am, firing sporadically before whisking the monarch away to an unknown destination, in what residents described as a terrifying overnight raid.

    How the attack happened

    Sources said the attackers arrived heavily armed and met little resistance as panic spread across the palace.

    “They came around 1:40am and started shooting. Everyone was scared. They took the monarch, his wife, and another person,” a source disclosed.

    The abducted monarch was said to have been recently installed by the state government, making the incident even more shocking within the community.

    Rising concern in Kwara South

    The latest abduction marks the third case involving a traditional ruler in Kwara South within a year, raising fresh concerns about security in the area.

    In 2025, two monarchs in the region were kidnapped by suspected bandits and later released after ransom payments were reportedly made.

    Residents say the repeated attacks have heightened fear, with calls growing for stronger security presence across affected communities.