In an attempt to stop the increasing number of banditry, abduction, and other criminal activities in the area, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, has urged traditional leaders throughout Yorubaland to strengthen their collaboration with security services.
During the grand conclusion of the 2026 Ifa Festival in Ile-Ife, the king made the call, emphasizing the significance of integrating contemporary security measures with traditional leadership systems to safeguard communities.
In a statement released on Sunday by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, the Ooni called for royal fathers to fortify their current alliances and continue to work closely with law enforcement and government officials.
He emphasized that traditional institutions are still essential to preserving peace and stability at the local level, pointing out that community-based strategies should support government security initiatives.
According to Oba Ogunwusi, in order to combat criminal forces endangering the safety of Yorubaland’s citizens, traditional rulers must rely on the principles passed down from their ancestors.
“To drive bandits, kidnappers, and all criminal elements out of Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole, we must unite our traditional powers, spiritual history, and communal ideals.
“At this crucial moment, we must invoke the values that our ancestors stood for: justice, peace, and communal harmony,” he declared.
The Ooni described insecurity as a problem that calls for cooperation from all facets of society and asked monarchs to have a more active role in defending their territories.
“We must unite to combat the threat of kidnapping and banditry. It’s enough. Our people ought to be able to travel freely and live in harmony.
The monarch said, “Traditional rulers must take greater responsibility for safeguarding their communities while supporting the government and security agencies.”
Oba Ogunwusi acknowledged the nation’s security issues but praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its continued efforts to address threats to public safety across the country.
According to him, governments, traditional institutions, religious organizations, community leaders, and citizens must all cooperate in order to create enduring peace.
“Now is the moment to unite.” The nation’s security issues cannot be resolved by the government alone. In order to assist continued efforts to secure our nation, traditional institutions, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and individuals must collaborate,” he said.
In addition to celebrating the festival, the Ooni offered special prayers for the safe return of teachers and students kidnapped during recent attacks in the states of Borno and Oyo.
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