The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has fixed July 2, 2026, for a traditional spiritual exercise aimed at placing curses on kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminals troubling Edo State.
The development comes amid growing concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of the state, especially the rising cases of kidnapping and violent attacks.
The revered monarch announced the decision during a meeting with native doctors, priests, priestesses, and other traditional worshippers at his palace in Benin City. The gathering focused on urgent steps to confront criminal activities through spiritual means.
Oba Ewuare II said the exercise is part of efforts to restore peace and strengthen security across Edo South Senatorial District. According to him, the spiritual intervention is necessary due to the increasing threat posed by kidnappers and other criminal elements operating in the region.
“The message is from the ancestors. Edo people at home and in the diaspora should hear this,” the monarch said.
“The criminals should know that God Almighty and our ancestors will not allow their evil to prevail in Edo.”
Speaking through Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin, the monarch expressed deep concern over the security situation in the state. He said the rise in criminal activities and social vices has become alarming and can no longer be ignored.
“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,” he said.
Oba Ewuare II stressed that the planned spiritual exercise is not meant to replace the efforts of security agencies or the Edo State government. Instead, he said it is intended to support ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity and restore normalcy.
He called on traditional worshippers to fully commit to the exercise and use all available spiritual means to combat criminal activities across the state.
“You all know what is happening. The Oba is trying to bring peace. All the bad things are what we want to wipe away. Use all that you have to send all the wicked ones away so that we can sleep with our eyes closed.
“We don’t want kidnapping, armed robbery and other social vices in this state. We want peace. The palace has done much behind closed doors. Use all that you have to chase away wicked ones.”
The Oba further instructed the traditional worshippers to continue prayers and spiritual activities over the next 10 days before returning to the palace on July 2 for the final phase of the exercise.
