Oba of Benin orders spiritual warfare against banditry in Edo

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II has directed traditionalists across Edo South Senatorial District to deploy “spiritual warfare” and lay curses on perpetrators of banditry and other violent crimes.

Oba Ewuare gave the directive on Tuesday, during a meeting with native doctors, priests and priestesses at his palace in Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Edo government also announced plans to establish special courts to handle armed robbery, kidnapping and ritual-related crimes, among others,, to fast-track judgment and punishment for criminals and serve as a deterrent to others.

He said the instruction came from God Almighty and his royal ancestors, following rising insecurity in Nigeria.

The Oba said  the traditional institution must complement the government’s efforts to curb the menace.

He ordered the traditionalists to begin a week-long spiritual exercise to intercede for the land.

The exercise would climax at 6.00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, at the Oba’s Palace, where curses would be pronounced on evildoers and their collaborators.

“The message is from the ancestors. Edo people at home and in the diaspora should hear this.

“The criminals know that God Almighty and our ancestors will not allow their evil to prevail in Edo ,”  Oba Ewuare said.

He said that past Obas of Benin would not permit the wishes of criminals to stand, stressing that it was time they abandoned their activities.

Addressing the groups, Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin, who reiterated the position of Oba Ewuare, urged them not to let their guard down during their various traditional rites.

Osamwonyi said that the Benin Palace had intensified spiritual consultations and behind-the-scenes coordination on the issue.