Ekiti Monarch Highlights Efficacy Of “African Science” In Tackling Insecurity |The Source

By Ayodele Oni

“I move around like a warrior. No bandit or kidnapper can threaten me. Even if they are ten in number, I will face them”

A First Class Monarch in Ekiti state has blamed his colleagues that have either been killed, shot or abducted by kidnappers. He blamed their plight on the abandonment of traditional practices.

The Owa Ooye of Okemesi Ekiti, Oba Adedeji Gbadebo, advised his colleagues to embrace the African Science in confronting insecurity and frequent attacks on Palaces.

Just last week, Chairman of Ekiti state Council of Obas, Oba Ajibade Alabi revealed plans to consult their ancestors in a bid to tackle insecurity and incessant abduction of Monarchs.

In 2020, the Olufon of Ifon in Ondo state was shot dead  between Owo and Ifon while returning from Akure.

In Ekiti state, the Elewu of Ewu, Oba Adetutu Ajayi narrowly escaped death after he was shot at between Ewu and Ayetoro Ekiti last month. His colleague at Ilemesho, Oba David Oyewumi, was unlucky. He was abducted right inside his Palace by heavily armed suspected kidnappers.

Briefing journalists in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, Oba Adedeji, who described as embarrassing, the incessant abduction of traditional rulers, maintained that he had fortified himself like a warrior.

Adducing reason why Obas are being abducted, he pointed out that some Yoruba traditional rulers have abandoned the African Science under the guise of embracing modern religious belief.

“I move around like a warrior. No bandit or kidnapper can threaten me. Even if they are up to ten in number I will face them.

“In fact, some of my subjects have also told me not to embarrass them by allowing myself to be molested by bandits.

“Attacks on Obas are disturbing. How can people kidnap or shoot a traditional ruler? I believe that going traditional to curb these senseless killings is not out of place.

“In the days of old, there were wars and we had unique ways of fighting and winning. Some people don’t believe in it because modern Religion has taken over and reduced our faith in traditional power.

“Some Traditional Rulers are saying that they can’t use  charms to protect themselves. This is hypocrisy. We are custodians of tradition. Why are we running away from our tradition? How can an Oba be killed or kidnapped like a chicken? I find it appalling and difficult to believe.”