Oba of Benin invokes ancestral powers against kidnappers in Edo

Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, on Wednesday, invoked ancestral powers against kidnappers, armed robbers, murderers and other violent criminals, placing traditional curses on those responsible for insecurity in Edo and across Nigeria.

The spiritual exercise, which drew traditional priests, priestesses, and traditional physicians (Ewaise) from across the Benin Kingdom, followed the monarch’s directive last week for custodians of African traditional religion to deploy ancient spiritual practices in support of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.

The rites commenced with a solemn procession from the Oba’s Palace in Benin City as participants, adorned in traditional regalia and carrying symbolic spiritual objects, marched to the palace entrance amid chants and invocations.

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At the palace gate, libations were poured and propitiatory rites performed, while the worshippers called on the ancestors and deities to curse kidnappers, killers, bandits and their collaborators, praying that they should not know peace until they abandoned their criminal activities or faced the consequences of their actions.

The traditional worshippers also performed rituals to spiritually fortify Edo State against criminal invasion and prayed for enduring peace, security, and prosperity for the people of the state and Nigeria.

Speaking after the exercise, the head of the Ewaise Palace group, Chief Osemwonta Iguezigbon, said the spiritual assignment was ordered by the Oba in response to the disturbing rise in violent crimes, expressing confidence that the intervention would complement the efforts of security agencies.

Also speaking, the Chief Priest of the Ayelala deity, Chief Clement Edegbe, lamented the increasing cases of kidnapping and the erosion of societal values, saying many people had abandoned respect for elders and embraced criminality.

He expressed optimism that the curses would serve as a strong deterrent to perpetrators and their sponsors.

The Oyeoba of Benin, Chief Isaac Oghafua Ogiemwense Oghafua, described the exercise as a traditional effort to secure the land against criminality, while priestess Constance Eguavon commended Oba Ewuare II for reviving the kingdom’s ancient spiritual traditions in the fight against insecurity.