Oba of Benin orders spiritual warfare against banditry in Edo

The Oba of Benin, Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, has directed traditionalists across Edo South Senatorial District to deploy “spiritual warfare” and lay curses on perpetrators of banditry and other violent crimes in Edo State.

Oba Ewuare gave the directive during a meeting with native doctors, priests, and priestesses at his palace in Benin, the capital of Edo State, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

The Edo State Government also announced plans to establish special courts to handle armed robbery, kidnapping, and rituals, among others to fast track judgement and punishment for criminals to serve as deterrent to others.

Oba Ewuare said the instruction came from God and his royal ancestors, following rising insecurity in Nigeria.

The monarch said the traditional institution must complement government’s efforts to curb the menace.

He ordered the traditionalists to begin a week-long spiritual exercise to intercede for the land.

The exercise would climax at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, at the monarch’s palace, where curses would be pronounced on evildoers and their collaborators.

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Oba Ewuare said: “The message is from the ancestors. Edo people at home and in the diaspora should hear this.

“The criminals know that God Almighty and our ancestors will not allow their evil to prevail in Edo.”

Oba Ewuare said added that past Obas of Benin would not permit the wishes of criminals to stand, stressing that it was time they abandoned their activities.

Addressing the groups, the Akenuwa of Benin, Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, who reiterated the position of Oba Ewuare, urged them not to let down their guard in their various traditional rites.

Osamwonyi said the Benin Palace had intensified spiritual consultations and coordination behind the scenes on the issue.