The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, has reportedly appointed July 2 for a special traditional ceremony to invoke ancestral punishments against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups responsible for instability across Nigeria.
The scheduled rally is expected to bring traditional rulers, palace chiefs, community groups and residents from around Edo State and is being considered as a symbolic response to the rising tide of insecurity hitting communities nationwide.
The event, according to palace sources, would be aimed at asking divine intervention and calling into play traditional justice against those involved in acts of terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence and other crimes that have continued to threaten lives and livelihoods.
The decision comes at a time when security difficulties in several parts of Nigeria are becoming more worrying. Communities have regularly voiced fears over the work of criminal groups, with individuals continuing to urge for greater steps to tackle the deteriorating security situation.
The Oba of Benin, who is generally acknowledged as one of the foremost traditional rulers in Nigeria, has always condemned violence, criminality and activities that can undermine peace and social harmony. Palace insiders said the approaching ancient rite is meant to convey a strong message that illicit behaviours are not acceptable and would not be condoned by society.
In Nigeria, traditional institutions have been observed to play important roles in the maintenance of social order and promotion of communal values. In many cultures traditional rulers are seen as caretakers of culture and morals and regularly intervene in issues relating to peace, security and development.
A palace official who knows of the planning said the ceremony will follow Benin customs and traditions, stressing the purpose is to reinforce the collective will of the people to fight crime.
“The kingdom has long been a beacon of justice, peace and the protection of innocent lives. “This activity is intended to show the will of the traditional institution to support all legal measures to restore security and stability,” the source said.
Residents of Benin City and communities in the vicinity have applauded the development, saying it reflects growing public frustration over insecurity and the need for all parties to contribute to finding lasting solutions.
Some community leaders said security services still have a vital role to play in fighting crime, but traditional institutions too have a duty to mobilise public support and reinforce moral values that deter criminal activity.
The proposed ceremony has sparked a lot of debate on social media, with many Nigerians expressing support for initiatives that promote peace and highlight the tragic cost of terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime on families and communities.
Security analysts have consistently stressed the need for a multi-dimensional approach to address insecurity, including competent law enforcement, intelligence gathering, community participation, economic opportunity and public cooperation.
They observe that traditional rulers are well positioned to be effective partners in these endeavours by virtue of their influence within local communities and their capacity to foster discourse and social cohesion.
The July 2 event is in preparation, and many observers consider the scheduled ceremony as a symbolic call for national solidarity against criminality and a reminder of the continuing significance of established institutions in tackling societal problems.
Further details of the programming are scheduled to be released by the palace in the coming days. Participants and guests are expected to gather at the allocated venue for what many are describing as a major cultural and spiritual statement against terrorism and insecurity.
“Insecurity is still one of the major issues confronting Nigeria. The event will likely attract a lot of interest from Nigerians, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and government officials alike who all want a more peaceful and secure Nigeria.
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