The monarch of Owo Kingdom in Ondo state, Ajibade Gbedegesin Ogunoye, has placed curses on the killers involved in the cult-related clash in the town.

Mr Ogunoye invoked the spirit of the “god of iron” (Ogun) during a meeting with some traditional priests in the ancient city on Thursday.

No fewer than four people, including a woman and her 10-year-old child, were killed in the violent clash, which occurred a fortnight ago in Owo.

A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Fisayo Oladipupo, was among those killed by the invading cultists—a development that escalated the violence and seemingly led to a reprisal.

Accompanied by the town’s traditional priests, Mr. Ogunoye pronounced curses on those responsible for and those sponsoring the heinous killings in the town.

According to him, the curses placed on the cultists symbolize the collective anger and resolve of the town’s people.

The monarch noted that the violence and killings have tarnished the town’s reputation, adding that traditional institutions are determined to take strong action against the perpetrators.

While emphasising the importance of peace and unity, he warned that the curses placed on the killers and their enablers would take effect unless they desist from their actions.

The action of the traditional ruler comes a day after a renowned Islamic cleric, Abdulkareem Adedokun, placed curses on the cult members for killing his wife and son.

Mr Adedokun’s wife, Temitope, and his son, Abdulmalik Adedokun, were killed by suspected cultists during the violent clash that engulfed the town.

He recounted how his wife and son were attacked and brutally murdered at her shop in the heart of the town by the rampaging cult members.

Mr Adedokun vehemently called out the killers, asserting that no member of his family belonged to any confraternity or criminal group.

“The most painful part of it is how politicians started playing politics with the death of my wife and son when they all know that no member of the Adedokun family has ever participated in cultist activities before,” he said.

The cleric invoked curses on the killers, stressing that those shielding them from prosecution would face the full wrath of God.

“I stand on this authority to curse the person who killed Temitope Adedokun and Abdulmalik Adedokun, all members of their cult gangs, their supporters—including politicians and traditional leaders—and those protecting them from security agents.

“From today, every child born into their families will die a mysterious death upon reaching the age of my little Abdulmalik, who was killed. This curse will remain until they can bring my little Abdulmalik back to life. I have concluded this curse in Owo,” he declared.

The incident prompted the governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to declare a dusk-to-dawn curfew from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. in the town.

Mr Aiyedatiwa also condemned the clash and directed security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.

Amid the unrest, the police last week arrested 19 suspects linked to the violent cult clash, promising to prosecute them after profiling.