In a pressing response to the escalating wave of banditry in Southwest Nigeria, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, has vowed to leverage ancestral powers to combat the menace.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels TV, the Ooni emphasized the need for unity among Southwest governors and traditional leaders, cultivating a strong front to address security challenges in the region.
The recent meeting of Southwest governors and traditional leaders was described by the Ooni as pivotal, not only for expressing solidarity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration but also for initiating strategies to harness cultural heritage as a means to safeguard communities.
“The essence of our gathering was to strengthen ties and offer a vote of confidence in our leadership. More importantly, we need to explore diverse ways to reclaim peace using the ancestral powers that guided our forebears in times of unrest,” Ogunwusi stated.
“This is not just a call to traditional leadership but a holistic approach involving all facets of society—government, communities, and our cultural institutions— to rise against this menace. Our ancestors fought valiantly; it is time we channel that spirit.”
The Ooni’s remarks come at a time when security challenges are exacerbating in the region, prompting discussions among stakeholders about innovative approaches to restore peace. Experts emphasize that while traditional methods can play a role in community fortification, effective collaboration with law enforcement and comprehensive policies are crucial in addressing the root causes of banditry.
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