The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, has directed traditionalists across the Edo South senatorial district to deploy “spiritual warfare” and lay curses on perpetrators of banditry and other violent crimes.

Oba Ewuare gave the directive on Tuesday, during a meeting with native doctors, priests and priestesses at his palace in Benin.

The Edo State government also announced plans to establish special courts to handle armed robbery, kidnapping, and ritual crimes, among others, to fast-track judgements and punishments for criminals and serve as a deterrent to others.

He said the instruction came from God Almighty and his royal ancestors, following rising insecurity in Nigeria.

The Oba said the traditional institution must complement the government’s efforts to curb the menace.

He ordered the traditionalists to begin a week-long spiritual exercise to intercede for the land.

The exercise would end at 6.00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, at the Oba’s palace, where curses would be pronounced on evildoers and their collaborators.

“The message is from the ancestors. Edo people at home and in the diaspora should hear this.

“The criminals know that God Almighty and our ancestors will not allow their evil to prevail in Edo,” Oba Ewuare said.

He said that past Obas of Benin would not allow criminals’ wishes to stand, stressing that it was time they abandoned their activities.

Addressing the groups, Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin, who reiterated Oba Ewuare’s position, urged them not to let their guard down in their various traditional rites.

Mr Osamwonyi said that the Benin palace had intensified behind-the-scenes spiritual consultations and coordination on the issue.

(NAN)