Traditional rulers and cultural stakeholders in the South-West have expressed support for the call by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to deploy traditional spiritual powers, popularly referred to as ‘juju’, in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the region.
The position follows growing concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of the South-West, particularly after the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that has sparked outrage and renewed calls for stronger security measures.
Speaking at the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa Festival, the Ooni described the abduction as unacceptable and urged traditional rulers to harness Yoruba cultural heritage and spiritual institutions to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and security.
His remarks have since generated mixed reactions, with some residents questioning the relevance of traditional spiritual methods in combating modern-day criminality involving heavily armed terrorists.
However, several monarchs and traditionalists insisted that indigenous spiritual systems remain potent and could complement conventional security measures if properly deployed and supported by government authorities.
The Olojudo of Ido and former Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, maintained that traditional spiritual mechanisms remain effective in addressing security challenges.
According to him, Yoruba communities historically relied on such methods to protect themselves from external threats and criminal elements.
Similarly, renowned traditionalist, Ogundeji Elebuibon, said traditional means could be used to secure forests and communities without the use of firearms, stressing the need for collaboration between governments and custodians of indigenous knowledge.
Elebuibon called on South-West governors to convene a regional security summit involving traditional institutions and cultural practitioners to explore alternative approaches to addressing insecurity.
Also lending his voice, the Deji of Akureland, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, said traditional rulers were already considering measures aimed at strengthening community security through indigenous institutions.
Represented by his media aide, Michael Adeyeye, the monarch stated that ancestral powers remained effective but should be deployed cautiously and within the bounds of the law.
The Ekiti Council of Elders also supported the proposal, arguing that extraordinary security challenges require innovative responses.
Its General Secretary, Elder Niyi Ajibulu, said traditional hunters, herbalists and community leaders could contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at curbing insecurity in the region.
Commander of the Oodua Security Network, Olayemi Victor Egbeola, equally expressed readiness to utilise traditional methods in defending communities, provided such actions receive approval from relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, the President of the International Council for Ifa Religion, Chief Fayemi Fakayode, cautioned against viewing spiritual interventions as replacements for government-led security operations.
He said traditional practices should complement, rather than substitute, the efforts of security agencies, noting that lasting peace would require cooperation among governments, traditional institutions, religious bodies and citizens.
Also commenting, Convener of the Yoruba Commitment Forum, Otunba Tayo Onayemi, said while indigenous approaches should not be dismissed outright, security matters required strategic engagement and constitutional considerations.
A community leader, Niyi Rotimi, described the debate as one that reflects broader concerns over the erosion of Yoruba cultural identity, insisting that traditional institutions still possess the capacity to contribute to community protection if properly coordinated.
The calls come amid growing anxiety over insecurity in parts of the South-West, with stakeholders urging a combination of conventional and community-based approaches to address the challenge.
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