72 Hours to Spiritual Curse as Oba of Benin Moves Against Criminals in Edo

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has concluded plans for a kingdom-wide spiritual exercise aimed at confronting kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminals across the seven local government areas of the Benin Kingdom.

By Wednesday, July 2, traditional priests, priestesses, diviners and shrine custodians are expected to invoke what the palace described as irreversible curses on those involved in violent crimes.

The move followed a directive issued by the monarch during a meeting with spiritual leaders and traditionalists last Tuesday, where they were given 10 days to prepare spiritually before carrying out the exercise.

The planned action mirrors a similar intervention by the Oba in 2018 when he placed curses on human traffickers, collaborators and native doctors who facilitated oath-taking rituals linked to trafficking operations.

At the time, Oba Ewuare II declared all secrecy oaths imposed on trafficking victims null and void and encouraged affected persons to seek help.

Recent security challenges in Edo State, including kidnappings and cult-related violence, reportedly prompted the latest intervention.

Three weeks ago, suspected kidnappers attacked the well-known Vegetable Market near Airport Road and abducted a woman close to the palace vicinity.

Although security operatives later arrested the suspects and recovered the ransom after the victim’s release, the incident heightened concerns within the kingdom.

On June 19, the Benin Traditional Council, acting on the Oba’s instruction, summoned traditional doctors and spiritual leaders to an emergency meeting over the worsening security situation.

The statement issued by Chief Asiriuwa Victor Nosakhare on behalf of the BTC Secretary said the palace intended to deploy “all traditional and strategic means” to support government efforts in restoring peace and order.

At the June 23 gathering, which included native doctors, water goddess worshippers and adherents of Olokun and Aiyelala traditions, the monarch ordered spiritualists to begin prayers and rituals against insecurity.

According to the Oba, divine intervention and ancestral powers would prevail against criminal elements terrorising the state.

“This message is from our ancestors. That is what we want Edo people at home and in the diaspora to hear,” the monarch stated.

“They (criminals) are aware that God almighty and our ancestors will not allow their evil work to prevail against Edo State.”

“The past Obas in Benin will not allow their wishes to prevail. They (criminals) have been causing confusion. It is time they give up on their activities.”

Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin, called on spiritual leaders to intensify their traditional rites to drive away criminals from the state.

“We don’t want kidnapping, armed robbery and other social vices in this state. We want peace,” he said.

The palace also mobilised youth leaders across Benin communities, directing them to establish local advisory committees that would work with authorities to tackle insecurity.

Oba Ewuare II cautioned the youths against violence or abuse of power, stressing that their assignment was strictly for the promotion of peace.

“We do not want you to fight yourselves or kill people. The purpose is to promote peace in our Communities,” he said.

He further declared that Edo people were not intimidated by threats, adding that the kingdom’s ancestors had historically defended and protected their people.

Africans Angle News