Insecurity: Traditional Rulers To Invoke Deities Against Bandits – Osun Monarch

The Olowu of Owu-Kuta in Ayedire Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, has said 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.

NAIJAONPOINT reports that Insecurity is one of the major challenges facing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Oba Oyelude, who spoke with The Punch, 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 monarch 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 addressing insecurity, stating that 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.

“We are seriously working on all options. We are not limiting it to professional security forces. While we are asking Christians to deploy the Psalms they know, we are also asking Muslims to deploy the Quranic verses they know, while traditionalists, who are the custodians of the land, are being asked to move and invoke the spirit of the land to protect those who are on the land legitimately, not the invaders,” he said.