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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Thursday invoked ancestral curses against perpetrators of violent crimes in Edo State and across Nigeria through traditional worshippers, including priests, priestesses and traditional physicians (Ewaise).
The spiritual exercise followed the monarch’s directive last Wednesday summoning traditional worshippers of different classifications in Benin to return to the ancient traditional ways of addressing the growing security challenges in the state.
The ceremony, aimed at complementing government efforts to tackle insecurity, began with a procession from the Oba’s Palace grounds to the palace’s main entrance gate.
Dressed in traditional regalia and carrying spiritual emblems, the worshippers converged at the palace gate, where they poured libations, offered propitiatory prayers and invoked the ancestral spirits to bear witness against those threatening the peace and stability of Edo State.
The event also featured spiritual fortification of the land against banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities, while prayers were offered for the peace, progress and development of Edo State and Nigeria.
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Speaking after the ceremony, the head of the Ewaise Palace Group, Chief Osemwonta Iguezigbon, and the Chief Priest of the Ayelala deity, Chief Clement Edegbe, expressed confidence that the spiritual exercise would help curb violent crimes and expose their collaborators.
“A lot of things have been going wrong in Benin. Some people no longer respect elders. There have been many cases of kidnapping and other crimes,” Edegbe said.
Iguezigbon added: “What happened today was directed by the Oba of Benin in view of the security situation, not only in Edo State but across Nigeria. Our Oba considered it necessary to take this spiritual step.”
Also speaking, Chief Isaac Oghafua Ogiemwense (the Oyeoba of Benin), said the essence of the exercise was to spiritually fortify the land against insecurity using traditional means.
A priestess, Constance Eguavoen, also commended the Oba for deploying ancient rituals and spiritual forces in the fight against criminality.
