Benin Monarch Oba Ewuare II Commands Traditionalists Against Criminality

The highly revered Oba Ewuare II of Benin has issued a significant directive to traditional spiritual practitioners within his kingdom, instructing them to converge on July 10 with their instruments to invoke curses upon kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminal elements operating across his domain and Edo State. The monarch's order was given in Benin City on Tuesday during a meeting with native doctors at his palace.

Oba Ewuare II specifically tasked native doctors, water goddess priestesses, alongside adherents of Osokpikan, Aiyelala, and Olokun, to participate in this spiritual offensive. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “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.”

Speaking through the Akenuwa of Benin, Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, Oba Ewuare II clarified that these efforts are intended to bolster the state government's commitment to ensuring peace reigns throughout Edo State. Chief Osamwonyi conveyed the Oba’s message, saying, “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 good sleep. 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. After 10 days, you all will return to the palace with all you have to place curses on those involved in the evil act. We want to see change.”

In response to the monarch's call, Chief Egboye expressed confidence in the planned actions, remarking, “Our Oba called us to remove all the wahala in this state. The prayers and actions will work. That is what our forefathers did. It has never failed.” Similarly, Princess Juliet Ehigiamusoe, known as the Ohen N’ Ogbeguma N’ Ayen, assured the Oba that they would utilize all available spiritual resources from both land and water to fulfill his command.