The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has summoned native doctors, traditional priests and priestesses to an emergency meeting as part of efforts to address the growing wave of insecurity in Edo State and other parts of Nigeria.
The meeting, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), is expected to hold at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City.
The statement was signed by Chief Victor Nosakhare on behalf of the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor.
It said the directive came directly from the Oba and should be treated with urgency by all those invited.
“The meeting is convened on the instruction of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, and all concerned are expected to attend as a matter of urgent importance,” the statement said.
According to the palace, the gathering is aimed at exploring traditional approaches that could complement the efforts already being made by government and security agencies to tackle insecurity.
Although the statement did not provide details of the specific issues to be discussed, it noted that the objective is to identify ways in which traditional institutions and custodians of indigenous practices can contribute to restoring peace and security in society.
The move comes at a time when many parts of Edo State have witnessed an increase in security challenges, including kidnappings, cult-related killings and violent attacks.
Residents of the state have repeatedly expressed concern over the activities of criminal groups operating along major roads and within some communities. In recent months, reports of abductions for ransom and clashes linked to rival cult groups have heightened fears among citizens.
The emergency meeting called by the revered monarch is being seen as a reflection of the growing role traditional institutions are playing in efforts to address societal challenges.
Traditional rulers across Nigeria have increasingly become involved in peacebuilding initiatives, conflict resolution and intelligence gathering within their communities. Because of their closeness to the grassroots, they are often regarded as key stakeholders in maintaining order and mobilising local support against crime.
In Edo State, the Benin monarchy remains one of the most respected traditional institutions, wielding significant moral authority among the people.
Oba Ewuare II, who ascended the throne in 2016 as the 40th Oba of Benin, has on several occasions used the influence of the palace to address social concerns affecting the kingdom and the wider society.
One of the monarch’s most notable interventions was his campaign against human trafficking and illegal migration. He had publicly denounced practices linked to trafficking networks and revoked traditional oaths allegedly used by traffickers to control their victims.
As part of the broader initiative, the Benin Traditional Council has also scheduled a separate meeting with youth leaders, popularly known as Okaighele.
According to the statement, the meeting with the Okaighele will hold at 12 noon on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Oba’s Palace.
The Okaighele play important roles within communities in Benin Kingdom. They are often regarded as youth coordinators and local leaders who help organise community activities and serve as a link between traditional authorities and young people.
Their involvement in the security discussions is expected to provide insights into challenges facing various communities and encourage greater youth participation in crime prevention efforts.
The planned engagements suggest that the Benin Traditional Council is seeking a broad-based response that brings together custodians of tradition and community leaders in support of official security measures.
Nigeria has continued to grapple with different forms of insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and cult violence. Security experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of community participation and intelligence sharing in addressing these threats.
In several parts of the country, traditional rulers have worked closely with security agencies by providing local information, mediating disputes and encouraging residents to remain vigilant.
While the responsibility for maintaining law and order rests primarily with the government and security agencies, many Nigerians believe that traditional institutions can still play supportive roles because of their influence and deep roots within local communities.
For residents of Edo State, the intervention by the Oba of Benin offers renewed hope that all segments of society will unite in confronting the security challenges affecting the state.7r