Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, has directed traditional worshippers across Edo South Senatorial District to embark on a spiritual campaign against kidnappers, armed robbers, and other violent criminals operating in Edo State.
According to NAN, the monarch gave the directive on Tuesday during a meeting with native doctors, priests, priestesses, and other adherents of traditional religion at his palace in Benin City.
The Oba of Benin said the exercise would involve prayers and spiritual interventions aimed at restoring peace and security in the state.
“The message is from the ancestors. Edo people at home and in the diaspora should hear this,” he said.
“The criminals should know that God Almighty and our ancestors will not allow their evil to prevail in Edo.”
Speaking through Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin, the monarch said the growing wave of insecurity and other social vices in the state had become a source of concern.
“Today is a great day. I welcome you with the power of our ancestors. Many things that are not supposed to be happening are happening in this state. We have to pray. Those who want to destroy the kingdom will not succeed,” he said.
The monarch said the spiritual exercise was intended to complement efforts by the Edo State Government and security agencies to maintain peace and order.
“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 sleep with our eyes closed.
“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 Oba of Benin instructed the traditionalists to continue the spiritual exercise over the coming days before returning to the palace on July 2.
“After 10 days, you all will return to the palace with all you have to place curses on those involved in these evil acts. We want to see change,” he said.
