BENIN CITY, Nigeria — The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has set July 10 for a traditional rite aimed at kidnappers, armed robbers and others accused of threatening security in Benin Kingdom and across Edo State.
Oba Ewuare gave the directive in Benin City on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, during a meeting with native doctors, the water goddess priestess Osokpikan and adherents of Aiyelala and Olokun.
The monarch instructed those invited to return with their traditional instruments for the exercise.
“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 that want to destroy the kingdom will not succeed,” Oba Ewuare said.
Speaking through Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin, the monarch said the palace was acting in support of efforts to restore peace in 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 have a good sleep,” Osamwonyi said on behalf of the monarch.
“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.
“After 10 days, you all will return to the Palace with all you have to place a curse on whoever and wherever they are. We want to see change.”
Chief Egboye, who also spoke after the meeting, said the palace had summoned the traditional practitioners to act against insecurity in the state.
“Our Oba called us to remove all the wahala in this state. The prayers and actions will work. That is what our forefathers did. It has never failed,” Egboye said.
Princess Juliet Ehigiamusoe, the Ohen N’ Ogbeguma N’ Ayen, said the practitioners would return with items associated with the river and the land to carry out the monarch’s instruction.
