The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on traditional rulers across Yorubaland to strengthen cooperation with security agencies and government authorities in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
The respected monarch made the appeal during the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa Festival held in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where he stressed the need for a united approach to address growing security concerns in many parts of the country.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, the Ooni said traditional institutions must play a more active role in protecting communities and supporting efforts by security agencies to maintain peace and order.
He noted that traditional rulers remain close to the people at the grassroots level and are therefore well positioned to provide support in the fight against crime.
The monarch explained that stronger cooperation among royal fathers, community leaders, security agencies and government institutions would help improve intelligence gathering and strengthen efforts to tackle criminal activities before they escalate.
Speaking before a gathering of traditional leaders, worshippers and guests at the festival, Oba Ogunwusi said the security situation in parts of the country demands urgent and collective action.
He urged monarchs across Yorubaland to revive the values and leadership traditions inherited from their forefathers and use them to support modern security measures.
According to him, traditional authority remains an important institution that can help promote peace, stability and social order in communities.
“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,” the monarch said.
The Ooni stressed that insecurity is no longer a problem for government alone, insisting that all stakeholders must contribute to efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.
He said traditional rulers should not remain passive while criminal groups continue to threaten the safety of residents.
“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,” he added.
The call comes at a time when concerns over insecurity remain high in many parts of Nigeria. In recent years, incidents of kidnapping, bandit attacks, armed robbery and other violent crimes have continued to affect several communities across the country.
While the South-West has generally remained more peaceful than some other regions, cases of abduction and attacks on travellers have raised concerns among residents and community leaders.
Traditional rulers have also increasingly been called upon to support government efforts through community engagement, conflict resolution and intelligence sharing.
The Ooni’s latest appeal reflects growing recognition of the role traditional institutions can play in addressing security challenges at the local level.
As one of Nigeria’s most influential traditional rulers, Oba Ogunwusi has consistently used public platforms to advocate peace, unity and cooperation among different groups.
During the festival, the monarch stressed that achieving lasting peace would require collaboration among all sectors of society.
He said governments at all levels cannot single-handedly solve the country’s security challenges without the support of traditional institutions, religious leaders, community stakeholders and ordinary citizens.
“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.
The monarch also commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts being made to improve security across the country.
Although he acknowledged that significant challenges remain, he expressed confidence that ongoing measures by the government and security agencies would produce positive results if supported by communities and traditional institutions.
The Ifa Festival, where the appeal was made, is one of the most important cultural and spiritual events in Yorubaland. The annual celebration attracts traditional worshippers, cultural enthusiasts, scholars and visitors from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.
The festival serves as an opportunity to celebrate Yoruba heritage, promote cultural values and discuss issues affecting society.
This year’s event also provided a platform for discussions on national development, peace and security, issues that continue to dominate public discourse across the country.
As part of activities marking the festival, special prayers were offered for peace, unity and stability in Nigeria.
The Ooni also used the occasion to pray for the safe return of schoolchildren and teachers abducted during recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states.
Describing the incidents as painful and unacceptable, he expressed concern over the trauma being experienced by the victims and their families.
He prayed for the immediate release of those in captivity and asked God to comfort affected families while granting security agencies success in efforts to secure their freedom.
The monarch said no child should be denied education or subjected to fear because of insecurity.
He expressed hope that the victims would soon regain their freedom and be reunited with their loved ones.
His remarks come amid renewed calls from citizens, civil society groups and community leaders for stronger action against criminal groups operating in different parts of the country.
For the Ooni, the path to peace lies in unity, shared responsibility and stronger partnerships among all stakeholders.