According to the revered monarch, the decision to summon the spiritual leaders was inspired by divine direction and guidance from royal ancestors.
He stressed that insecurity has become a serious concern that requires urgent intervention from every legitimate institution, including traditional authorities.
The Oba directed all traditionalists within the Edo South Senatorial District to begin what he described as a coordinated spiritual exercise aimed at confronting those behind violent crimes.
The spiritual programme, he said, would run for one week.
It will end with a major gathering scheduled for 6:00 a.m. on July 2, 2026, at the Oba’s Palace in Benin, where formal curses would be pronounced against bandits, kidnappers, killers, and anyone aiding criminal activities.
Speaking during the meeting, the Oba sent a strong warning to criminals and their collaborators, declaring that evil would not prevail in Edo land.
“The message is from the ancestors.
“Edo people at home and in the diaspora should hear this.
“The criminals know that God Almighty and our ancestors will not allow their evil to prevail in Edo.”
He noted that the Benin Kingdom has a long-standing spiritual heritage and maintained that past Obas had always defended the land against forces of destruction.
The monarch said those involved in criminal acts should abandon such activities immediately or face both spiritual and legal consequences.
He also called on Edo people at home and abroad to remain vigilant and continue supporting efforts to secure lives and property.
Also speaking at the meeting, Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin, reaffirmed the monarch’s position and urged traditional worshippers not to relent in carrying out their spiritual responsibilities.
Osamwonyi disclosed that the Benin Palace had already intensified consultations and internal spiritual coordination in response to growing security threats.
He concluded that the palace remained committed to supporting every genuine effort aimed at ending insecurity in Edo State.
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