Oba of Benin Declares Spiritual Offensive Against Bandits, Orders Traditionalists to Invoke Curses

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has launched what he described as a spiritual campaign against rising insecurity, directing traditional worshippers across Edo South Senatorial District to invoke curses against bandits, kidnappers, and their collaborators.

The monarch issued the directive during a meeting with traditional practitioners, including native doctors, priests, and priestesses, at his palace in Benin City.

Oba Ewuare II said the initiative was inspired by divine guidance and ancestral authority and was intended to complement ongoing government efforts to tackle insecurity and violent crimes across the country.

As part of the exercise, the monarch ordered a week-long period of prayers and spiritual activities aimed at combating banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal acts.

The programme will culminate on July 2, 2026, at the Oba’s Palace, where traditionalists are expected to invoke curses on individuals involved in criminal activities and those providing them support.

“This message is from the ancestors. That is what we want Edo people at home and in the diaspora to hear. God Almighty and our ancestors will not allow evil to prevail against Edo State,” the monarch declared.

He stressed that the spirits of past Benin monarchs would not permit criminal elements to destabilise the state, urging perpetrators of violence to abandon their activities or face the consequences of both human and spiritual justice.

The Oba expressed concern over the growing wave of insecurity in parts of Nigeria, noting that traditional institutions have a role to play in supporting efforts aimed at restoring peace and protecting communities.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional worshippers, Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi reaffirmed the monarch’s directive and called on traditional practitioners to remain committed to carrying out their spiritual responsibilities.

He disclosed that the Benin Palace had intensified consultations and coordination among traditional groups as part of efforts to strengthen indigenous interventions against insecurity.

The latest directive comes amid increasing concerns over banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks in several parts of the country, with communities and stakeholders exploring both conventional and traditional approaches to addressing the security challenge.

The planned spiritual exercise is expected to draw traditional worshippers from across Edo State and members of the Benin community in the diaspora.