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 over the worsening security crisis in Edo and Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement signed by Victor Nosakhare on behalf of the 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, 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 the involvement of the palace as traditional institutions moved to support security agencies amid rising kidnapping and cult-related violence in the state. 

(NAN)