The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on traditional rulers across Yorubaland to deepen cooperation with security agencies as part of efforts to curb rising cases of banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the region.
The monarch made the appeal during the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa Festival in Ile-Ife, where he emphasised the importance of combining traditional leadership structures with modern security measures to protect communities.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, the Ooni urged royal fathers to strengthen existing partnerships among themselves and maintain close collaboration with government authorities and security operatives.
He stressed that traditional institutions remain critical to maintaining peace and stability at the grassroots level, noting that community-based approaches could complement official security efforts.
Oba Ogunwusi said traditional rulers must draw on the values inherited from their forebears in confronting criminal elements threatening the safety of residents across Yorubaland.
“We must bring together our traditional powers, spiritual heritage and communal values to chase bandits, kidnappers and all criminal elements out of Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.
“Our ancestors stood for justice, peace and communal harmony, and we must invoke those values at this critical time,” he said.
The Ooni urged monarchs to take a more active role in safeguarding their domains, describing insecurity as a challenge that requires collective action from all segments of society.
“We must rise collectively against the menace of banditry and kidnapping. Enough is enough. Our people deserve to live in peace and move freely without fear.
“Traditional rulers must take greater responsibility for safeguarding their communities while supporting the government and security agencies,” the monarch added.
While acknowledging the security challenges confronting the country, Oba Ogunwusi commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing efforts aimed at addressing threats to public safety nationwide.
He maintained that lasting peace could only be achieved when governments, traditional institutions, religious bodies, community leaders and citizens work together towards a common goal.
“This is a time for unity. The government alone cannot solve the security challenges facing the nation. Traditional institutions, religious leaders, community stakeholders and citizens must work together in support of ongoing efforts to secure our country,” he stated.
As part of activities marking the festival, the Ooni also offered special prayers for the safe return of schoolchildren and teachers abducted during recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states.
Describing the incidents as distressing and unacceptable, the monarch prayed for the immediate release of the victims and expressed hope that affected families would soon be reunited with their loved ones.
