By this Wednesday, various spiritual figures, including priests and traditional custodians across the seven local government areas of the Benin Kingdom, will perform rituals to invoke curses upon those responsible for kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes. This directive follows a meeting held by the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, who requested a ten-day period for these leaders to prepare for this unified spiritual intervention.
This initiative mirrors a 2018 action when the Monarch placed similar curses on human traffickers and individuals enforcing oaths of secrecy on victims. The current move addresses the persistent insecurity in the state, highlighted by a recent kidnapping incident near the Palace of the Oba of Benin. The Benin Traditional Council formalized this decision, emphasizing the need for traditional strategies to supplement government security efforts.
Beyond spiritual rituals, the Oba has mobilized youth leaders, known as Okaighele, to establish advisory committees tasked with monitoring local security and reporting threats to coordinators. While urging these groups to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities, the Oba explicitly warned against abusing this power to oppress others or engage in illegal land sales. He maintained that these efforts are strictly aimed at restoring order and ensuring that Edo State remains safe for all residents, including non-indigenes.
The community is now awaiting the results of the July 2 rituals, with hopes that this traditional approach will curb the criminal activities currently affecting the region. Analysts anticipate that other districts in Edo North and Edo Central may consider adopting similar strategies based on the outcome of the Benin Kingdom’s actions.
