Ooni Of Ife Inspires Yoruba Kings To Use Traditional Power To Fight Banditry And Kidnappings

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, has urged traditional leaders throughout Yorubaland to use their ancestral abilities, spiritual legacy, and community influence to combat the increasing number of kidnapping and banditry incidents. He said this during the 2026 World Ifa Festival’s grand finale in Ile-Ife.

According to the Ooni, traditional leaders shouldn’t remain silent while criminals terrorize their territories. He emphasized that in order to restore peace to the area, kings must collaborate closely with security services and one another.

The Ooni stated;
“We must bring together our traditional powers, spiritual heritage, and communal values to chase bandits, kidnappers, and all criminal elements out of Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.”

In conclusion, while the support and leadership of kings are crucial in addressing the menace of bandits and kidnappers, the fight against these criminal elements is a collective responsibility that calls on everyone—leaders and ordinary citizens alike—to stand up, stay vigilant, and actively participate in safeguarding our communities. Only through unified efforts and commitment can we hope to restore peace and security for all.