Traditional rulers in Yorubaland are considering invoking ancestral deities and deploying other indigenous spiritual mechanisms to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The development comes amid persistent insecurity across the South-West, where communities continue to grapple with rising cases of abductions and violent attacks
Some of the monarchs, who spoke with Saturday PUNCH on Thursday and Friday, said the move was being considered as a complementary measure to support conventional security efforts against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers operating in the region.
The development followed a call by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, urging traditional rulers across Yorubaland to deploy ancestral means to tackle rising insecurity in the region.
Oba Ogunwusi, who is the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, made the call while speaking at the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa Festival.
He also urged traditional rulers to collaborate with the government to restore peace and order.
The South-West region has in recent times witnessed a surge in abductions and other violent crimes, with over 40 teachers and pupils of three schools in Yawota and Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State still being held hostage.
Traditional rulers adopt spiritual intervention
The Olowu of Owu-Kuta in Osun State, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, said traditional rulers were “seriously considering the deployment of our ancient inherited deities to serve the purpose” in the fight against terrorists.
He expressed confidence in traditional means of tackling insecurity, saying many traditional rulers in Yorubaland believe in the potency of ancient powers and deities to protect their communities.
“The traditional rulers are seriously considering the deployment of our ancient inherited deities to serve the purpose of the moment, the invading bandits and kidnappers who are launching onslaughts on our various communities. We believe most of these deities can serve the purpose.
“Many Yoruba traditional rulers, at least 90 per cent of them, believe in the Yoruba gods, and they believe in the potency of the deities irrespective of their religion,” Oba Oyelude said.
Oba Oyelude revealed that the implementation had already begun in certain areas, though some communities were proceeding with caution due to potential implications on local trade.
“It is very certain that some communities are already taking these actions. We in the South-West will not fold our hands and wait for the Federal Government to do it all. We will support the government’s efforts because we are the direct beneficiaries.
