Oba Of Benin, Ewuare, To Invoke Ancestral Spirit Against Banditry On July 2

By Ayodele Oni

Preparations are ongoing at the Palace of Benin Monarch in Edo state, ahead of the July 2 when native doctors are expected to converge for a decisive spiritual intervention against criminality in the state.

The revered Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has fixed July 2, 2026, for a traditional exercise to place curses on kidnappers, following rising insecurity and criminality.

The Monarch announced the date days after an emergency meeting at his palace in Benin City, with native doctors, traditional priests, priestesses, and youth representatives, where rising insecurity in the state was strongly condemned.

The meeting was part of growing concerns over the increasing cases of kidnapping, cult-related violence, armed robbery, and ritual killings across Edo State and neighbouring areas, which palace sources say prompted the traditional institution to take spiritual action to complement government efforts.

According to reports, Oba Ewuare II directed that traditionalists across Edo South would be fully involved in the exercise, which he described as a spiritual response to the worsening security situation in the region.

The planned ritual is expected to involve prayers, invocations, and traditional rites which will invoke ancestral forces to confront and deter perpetrators of violent crimes, as well as those allegedly aiding or shielding them.

Sources within the palace said the initiative is part of a long-standing role of the Benin traditional institution in addressing societal challenges, particularly issues affecting peace and security within the kingdom and Edo State at large.

Oba Ewuare II was quoted as saying that the exercise is rooted in the authority of the ancestors, stressing that traditional institutions must continue to complement the efforts of security agencies in tackling crime.

He noted that the worsening security situation requires a collective response, including both modern law enforcement strategies and traditional mechanisms of deterrence.

In recent years, insecurity in parts of Edo State has remained a major concern, with frequent reports of abductions along highways, attacks in rural communities, and rising criminal networks linked to kidnapping for ransom.

While security agencies continue efforts to curb the trend, the Oba’s decision to involve traditional spiritual practices highlights the growing reliance on cultural and ancestral institutions in complementing state security responses.