The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has directed traditional worshippers and native doctors across the Benin Kingdom to gather at his palace on July 10 to perform spiritual rites aimed at combating kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities in Edo State.
The royal directive was issued on Tuesday during a meeting between the monarch and traditional religious practitioners at the palace in Benin City. The gathering included native doctors, water goddess priestesses and followers of traditional deities such as Osokpikan, Aiyelala and Olokun.
According to the Oba, all participants are expected to come with their sacred instruments and spiritual items for a ceremony intended to place curses on individuals involved in criminal acts and to seek peace and security for the state.
Speaking through the Akenuwa of Benin, Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the monarch said the initiative was part of efforts to support the government in tackling insecurity and restoring peace in communities across Edo State.
“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 who want to destroy the kingdom will not succeed,” the Oba said.
He stressed that kidnapping, armed robbery and other social vices had become major concerns and called on traditional worshippers to use all lawful traditional means available to drive out criminal elements from the state.
The monarch further instructed the practitioners to return to the palace after 10 days with all the necessary instruments to carry out the planned spiritual exercise.
“We don’t want kidnapping, armed robbery and other social vices in this state. We want peace. Use all that you have to chase away wicked ones. We want to see change,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional practitioners, Chief Egboye expressed confidence that the exercise would produce positive results, saying similar actions taken by their forefathers had been effective in the past.
Also speaking, the Ohen N’ Ogbeguma N’ Ayen, Princess Juliet Ehigiamusoe, assured the monarch that traditional worshippers would fully comply with the directive and participate in the planned ceremony.
The July 10 gathering is expected to bring together various traditional religious groups in a collective effort to seek peace, security and an end to criminal activities in Edo State.
