Yoruba Monarchs Consider Spiritual Intervention Against Insecurity, Spark Nationwide Reactions
Yoruba Monarchs Consider Spiritual Intervention Against Insecurity, Spark Nationwide Reactions
Traditional rulers in Yorubaland are reportedly considering the use of ancestral deities and other indigenous spiritual practices as part of renewed efforts to tackle worsening insecurity across the South-West, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. Eaglessightnew has gathered .
The development comes amid persistent attacks and abductions in several communities, with residents continuing to express concern over rising cases of violence. In Oyo State, over 40 teachers and pupils from schools in Yawota and Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area are still reportedly being held by kidnappers.
Some monarchs who spoke with Saturday PUNCH on Thursday and Friday said the proposal is being discussed as a complementary approach to support conventional security operations. The discussions follow a call by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who urged traditional rulers across Yorubaland to explore indigenous spiritual solutions alongside government interventions during the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa Festival.
The monarch also emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between traditional institutions and government security agencies in restoring peace and stability in affected areas.
Speaking on the development, the Olowu of Owu-Kuta in Osun State, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, said Yoruba traditional rulers were seriously considering the deployment of ancestral deities to confront criminal groups operating in various communities. He noted that many rulers still believe strongly in the spiritual authority of traditional practices.
He added that communities were exploring a combination of approaches, including religious prayers and indigenous spiritual interventions, stressing that the objective was to protect lawful residents while resisting criminal elements. According to him, some communities had already begun implementing such measures cautiously.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, said Yoruba traditional institutions have always played both physical and spiritual roles in safeguarding their communities. He stated that combining modern security strategies with traditional mechanisms was not unusual.
He further reiterated his support for the creation of state police, arguing that it would significantly improve security outcomes when paired with local and traditional structures.
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, also confirmed that consultations were ongoing in his domain regarding the possible adoption of indigenous protective measures. He, however, stressed that any action taken would be within legal boundaries and would not be allowed to be exploited for unlawful purposes. He also noted collaboration with local vigilante groups in addressing insecurity.
Meanwhile, the Onimeko of Imekoland in Ogun State, Oba Benjamen Olanite, said traditional rulers are increasingly under pressure from their subjects to adopt indigenous spiritual mechanisms as insecurity continues to worsen across Yorubaland.
MIXED REACTIONS TRAIL PROPOSAL
The development has generated widespread reactions on social media, with users expressing skepticism, humour, and criticism over the idea.
One user, Earnest Ugwu, mocked the initiative, saying:
“Another set of deities again? What about the one they invoked two weeks ago? Maybe that one is asleep.”
Teejay Emilayemi questioned the legitimacy of some traditional institutions:
“How many of them actually ascended their stools through proper and credible rites?”
Prince Uwankwe Paul also raised concerns about spiritual authenticity, stating:
“Invoking deities requires clean hands and genuine custodians of the traditional stool.”
Reacting humorously, Mathew Iko-Ojo Johnson Obasi suggested regional cooperation:
“If this one doesn’t work, let them come to Igala land so we can join hands.”
Monday Chukwu questioned the decision to make the plans public, describing it as unnecessary.
Francis Olayinka Adeyemi dismissed the idea outright, arguing that genuine spiritual power would not require public deliberation.
In a satirical tone, Apha Banzeey ridiculed the development, suggesting that the rituals have become ineffective and unserious in practice.
The debate continues as insecurity remains a major concern across parts of the South-West, with stakeholders divided on the role of traditional spiritual systems in modern security challenges.
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