Ooni’s Call for Traditional Powers Against Bandits Divides Opinion Across Yorubaland

Calls by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for the deployment of traditional spiritual powers against bandits and terrorists have sparked widespread debate across Nigeria.

The monarch made the remarks amid rising insecurity in Yorubaland, where kidnappings, killings, and attacks on communities have continued to spread fear among residents.

Addressing the security crisis, the Ooni urged traditional rulers and communities to revive ancestral values and indigenous methods to confront criminal elements.

“We must rise collectively against the menace of banditry and kidnapping. Enough is enough. Our people deserve to live in peace and move freely without fear,” the monarch said.

He also called on traditional rulers to take greater responsibility in protecting their communities while supporting government security agencies.

The comments came in the wake of the kidnapping of teachers and students in Oyo State’s Orire Local Government Area, where one victim was reportedly killed by abductors.

The development has renewed discussions about whether traditional spirituality can still play a meaningful role in modern security operations.

Supporters of the Ooni’s position argue that indigenous African systems historically helped communities defend themselves long before the introduction of modern policing.

Among those backing the call was the Deji of Akureland, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, who said traditional powers remain effective.

“Our ancestral power is real, effective, and we’re determined to deploy it,” the monarch declared.

He added that Yoruba traditional rulers were already consulting on ways to lawfully support security efforts in their communities.

Traditional leaders and Ifa practitioners also insisted that indigenous methods could complement conventional security operations.

Chief Okebiorun Omosola, the Araba Awo of Igede-Ekiti, said traditionalists possessed spiritual resources capable of helping tackle terrorism and kidnapping.

“The power our forefathers used in protecting their territories before the advent of modern weaponry still exists,” he stated.

He argued that traditional spiritual methods could assist in locating kidnappers, protecting communities, and weakening criminal groups.

The Agbekoya Farmers’ Society of Nigeria also claimed it possessed traditional weapons and local charms that could help secure forests and rural communities without firearms.

According to the group’s President General, Chief Kamoru Okikiola, the organisation was seeking government approval to assist security agencies in combating banditry in the Southwest.

Meanwhile, supporters of indigenous spirituality cited historical incidents in parts of Ondo State where communities allegedly relied on ancestral powers for protection during periods of conflict.

Despite the claims, sceptics dismissed the idea that spiritual powers alone could defeat modern terrorism.

Public analyst Stephen Adewale argued that insecurity requires intelligence gathering, stronger border control, prosecution of sponsors, and political will.

“The use of juju reflects the desperation of communities who feel abandoned,” he said.

“It can boost morale, but juju alone cannot defeat terrorism.”

The debate continues as insecurity persists across forests and rural communities in Yorubaland, with many residents demanding urgent and effective solutions to growing violence.

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