Ooni Urges Yoruba Monarchs to Deploy Traditional Means Against Banditry
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on traditional rulers across Yorubaland to harness ancestral and traditional methods in tackling the growing challenge of banditry and insecurity in the region.
The monarch made the appeal during the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa Festival, where he expressed concern over the increasing cases of kidnapping, bandit attacks and other criminal activities affecting communities in the South-West and across Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, the Ooni urged traditional rulers to work closely with government authorities and security agencies to protect their communities and restore peace.
He stressed that traditional institutions have a crucial role to play in addressing insecurity, noting that the values and spiritual heritage handed down by ancestors should be used to confront criminal elements threatening society.
“We must bring together our traditional powers, spiritual heritage and communal values to chase bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements out of Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole,” the Ooni said.
The monarch emphasised the need for unity among traditional rulers, insisting that collective action was necessary to safeguard lives and property.
He stated that traditional rulers must take greater responsibility for the security of their domains while supporting ongoing government efforts to combat insecurity.
While acknowledging that the Federal Government faces significant security challenges, the Ooni commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts being made to tackle insecurity across the country.
He maintained that lasting peace can only be achieved through cooperation among government institutions, traditional leaders, religious organisations and community stakeholders.
“This is a time for unity. The government alone cannot solve the security challenges facing the nation. Everyone must play a role in supporting efforts to secure our country,” he said.
As part of activities marking the festival, the Ooni also offered prayers for the safe return of schoolchildren and teachers recently abducted in parts of Oyo and Borno states.
Describing the incidents as painful and unacceptable, he prayed for divine intervention to secure the release of all victims and bring comfort to their families.
