Monarchs turn to deities against bandits

Traditional rulers across Yorubaland are considering invoking ancestral deities and deploying indigenous spiritual mechanisms to complement conventional security efforts in tackling terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in the South-West.

The move follows rising cases of abductions and violent attacks across the region, including the abduction of more than 40 teachers and pupils from communities in Oyo State.

The proposal gained momentum after the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, called on traditional rulers to utilise ancestral means and work with government authorities to restore peace and order in the region.

Speaking on the development, the Olowu of Owu-Kuta in Osun State, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, said many Yoruba monarchs believe in the potency of traditional deities and are seriously considering their deployment to protect communities from bandits and kidnappers.

According to him, some communities have already begun taking such measures, stressing that the South-West cannot rely solely on the Federal Government to address insecurity.

Similarly, the Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, said traditional institutions had historically served as custodians of both the physical and spiritual wellbeing of their people and should play a role in addressing current security challenges.

The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, disclosed that meetings were ongoing in his kingdom on the possible use of traditional mechanisms to defend communities, adding that any action would be taken within the confines of the law.

The Onimeko of Imekoland in Ogun State, Oba Benjamen Olanite, said there was growing pressure from residents for traditional rulers to deploy indigenous methods to combat worsening insecurity.

Also, the Olu of Imasayi, Oba Lukmon Kuoye, said traditional institutions possess indigenous protective mechanisms capable of securing communities and border areas but stressed the need for legal backing and caution in their application.

Traditionalists also expressed readiness to collaborate with monarchs in combating insecurity, describing indigenous spiritual systems as an underutilised tool for community protection.

The leader of Ijo Orunmila Ifa Koseunti, Ifaniyi Akinside, said Yoruba traditional practices once played a major role in safeguarding communities and should be revived to address the current security challenges.

Another Ifa priest, Ifashina Atanda, urged South-West governors to dedicate part of their security votes to traditional interventions, arguing that consultations with the Ifa oracle could help reveal impending dangers and support preventive action.

Traditionalist and Nollywood actor, Pa Peter Fatomilola, also called on governments to explore indigenous methods alongside conventional security strategies.

Meanwhile, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress, Gani Adams, advocated a combined spiritual and physical response to insecurity, urging traditional worshippers, Christians, Muslims and security stakeholders to work together to protect the region.