Oba of Benin summons native doctors, priests, others over rising insecurity

By Imelda Osayande

As part of his bid to complement government efforts in tackling insecurity, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has summoned native doctors, traditional priests, and priestesses to an urgent meeting.

The meeting will deliberate on the worsening security crisis in Edo in particular and Nigeria in Nigeria, according to statement signed by Chief Victor Nosakhare on behalf of Benin Traditional Council Secretary Frank Irabor on Friday.

The statement noted that the meeting would hold at 12 p.m. prompt on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Oba’s Palace.

The palace said the meeting, convened under the authority and directive of Oba Ewuare II, and must be treated with utmost urgency.

According to the statement, it is aimed at exploring traditional means to complement government efforts in tackling insecurity.

In a related development, the Benin Traditional Council will host youth leaders, known as Okaighele, the following day, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the same time and venue, according to another statement from the palace authority.

The development signalled involvement of the palace as traditional institutions moved to support security agencies amid rising kidnapping and cult-related violence in the state. (NAN)

The intervention by the Oba of Benin also followed recent threats by Edo governor, Monday Okpebholo to sign execution warrants for those convicted of involvement in kidnappings and other violent crimes that carry death sentence in the state.

Okpebholo said this on Thursday during a parade of kidnapping suspects at the Edo State Police Command headquarters in Benin City, where he also rewarded officers who arrested a suspect linked to recent kidnapping at the Vegetable Market.

“We are going to set up a special court to prosecute kidnappers and cultists. Within two weeks, the court is done with proceedings. I will sign your execution. We will take you to Ring Road roundabout so that Edo people can watch. I will have no regret about it. Don’t take my simplicity for granted,” the governor said.

“They will never find peace in Edo. The message to all criminals is that they will not go free after committing crime in this state. You will be arrested. We are ready for you and your sponsors. We are working day and night to make sure this land is safe,” he said.

The governor appealed to Edo residents to steer clear of criminal activity, saying it is cheaper to live within one’s means than to gamble one’s life on crime.