By Mick Oseji, Asaba
The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has announced July 10 as the date for a traditional spiritual exercise aimed at combating kidnapping, armed robbery and other security threats across Edo State.
The revered monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, said the exercise would involve native doctors, the water goddess priestess Osokpikan, and adherents of Aiyelala and Olokun, who have been directed to assemble at the palace with their ritual instruments for the ceremony.
Speaking during a meeting with the traditional worshippers and custodians of indigenous spiritual practices, Oba Ewuare II expressed concern over the rising insecurity and other social vices in the state, stressing the need for collective action to restore peace and safety.
According to the monarch, the traditional intervention is intended to complement the efforts of the government and security agencies in tackling criminal activities.
“Today is a great day. I welcome you with the power of our ancestors. Many things that are not supposed to be happening are happening in this state. We have to pray. Those that want to destroy the kingdom will not succeed,” he said.
The Oba, who spoke through the Akenuwa of Benin, Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, said the palace remained committed to supporting initiatives that would foster peace and stability in Edo State.
“You all know what is happening. The Oba is trying to bring peace. All the bad things are what we want to wipe away. Use all that you have to send all the wicked ones away, so that we can have a good sleep.
“We don’t want kidnapping, armed robbery and other social vices in this state. We want peace. The Palace has done much behind closed doors. Use all that you have to chase away wicked ones.
“After 10 days, you all will return to the Palace with all you have to place a curse on whoever and wherever they are. We want to see change,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the traditional worshippers, Chief Egboye expressed confidence that the spiritual exercise would yield positive results, noting that similar measures had been employed by their forefathers in the past.
“Our Oba called us to remove all the wahala in this state. The prayers and actions will work. That is what our forefathers did. It has never failed,” he said.
Also speaking, the Ohen N’Ogbeguma N’Ayen, Princess Juliet Ehigiamusoe, assured the monarch that worshippers would fully comply with the directive and mobilise all necessary traditional instruments for the ceremony.
The planned spiritual exercise comes amid growing concerns over incidents of kidnapping and other violent crimes in parts of Edo State, with the palace expressing hope that the initiative would contribute to restoring peace and security across the state.
