Nigeria’s fight against insecurity has taken a traditional turn after the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, publicly invoked ancient spiritual powers against kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal elements operating within the Benin Kingdom and across Edo State.
The ceremony highlighted the monarch’s determination to complement government efforts aimed at restoring peace and public safety.
The Benin curse has now become a major talking point across Nigeria. Many believe the development reflects increasing concern over insecurity, especially following recent reports of kidnappings and armed attacks in different parts of Edo State.
Meanwhile, the palace insists the action was taken solely to protect lives and preserve the kingdom’s long-standing traditions.
The spiritual procession began at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City before moving through parts of the ancient kingdom.
Traditional priests, priestesses, native doctors known as Ewaise, members of the Iwebo society and custodians of the famous Aiyelala shrine participated in the exercise.
Furthermore, participants wore traditional ceremonial attire while carrying sacred objects used during spiritual rites.
Libations were poured as prayers were offered to the ancestors.
Traditional rites were also performed while ancestral spirits were called upon to witness the ceremony against those involved in violent crimes.
According to the palace, the exercise followed rising concerns over insecurity within Edo State.
Last Tuesday, Oba Ewuare II summoned traditional religious leaders and custodians of various shrines.
He directed them to assemble on July 2 with their sacred objects for a united spiritual exercise against criminal activities.
Furthermore, the monarch explained that the initiative was intended to support ongoing efforts by the Edo State Government to improve security.
Speaking through the Akenuwa of Benin, Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the monarch stressed that peace remained the palace’s highest priority.
He said, “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.”
He further declared, “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.”
The palace also instructed the traditional custodians to return after ten days for another round of spiritual declarations.
According to the monarch, “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.”
Meanwhile, the Oba of Benin curse is not the first traditional action taken by Oba Ewuare II against crime.
In 2018, the monarch launched a similar spiritual campaign against human trafficking.
At the time, he revoked traditional oaths allegedly used to control victims trafficked overseas.
He declared that those using traditional powers to support trafficking would face severe spiritual consequences.
The monarch had then stated, “From today, we end all the oaths, and it will not affect those placed on the oath. Anyone who walks on Edo land and eats food cooked with salt and oil will die if they continue doing things that bring shame to the land.”
He also warned, “The juju will kill those who want to henceforth engage in human trafficking, even those who go to other places to perform juju will also die. Native doctors should not force girls again, and they should return the things they collected from the girls.”
Furthermore, he added, “Native doctors whose business is to subject people to the oath of secrecy and encourage this evil act on the land, you have to repent, stop doing it. This is not a joke, and if you do not repent, you will face the repercussions.”
Historical accounts within the Benin Kingdom suggest similar traditional interventions have influenced events in the past.
Following the 2004 fire outbreak at Oba Market, many traders reportedly recovered stolen goods after Aiyelala worshippers publicly warned suspected looters.
Likewise, after the 2020 fire at Ekiosa Market, several stolen items were reportedly returned when traders announced plans to invoke traditional curses.
Traditional leaders believe such actions reinforce moral responsibility within the community.
Chief Clement Edegbe, Chief Priest of the Aiyelala deity, explained that increasing disrespect for elders and rising kidnappings made the latest exercise necessary.
He said, “A lot of things have been going wrong in Benin. Some people are no longer respecting their elders. There have been a lot of kidnappings and others.”
Similarly, Chief Osemwonta Iguezigbon, head of the palace Ewaise group, said the exercise reflected the monarch’s concern for both Edo State and Nigeria.
According to him, “What happened today was directed by the Oba of Benin, considering what is happening not only in Edo State, but also in Nigeria. Our Oba thought it wise to put a stop to it.”
In addition, Chief Isaac Oghafua Ogiemwense explained that the traditional assignment was designed to spiritually strengthen the land against insecurity.
