The Benin Monarch, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, has placed a curse on kidnappers, armed robbers, and individuals plotting evil in his kingdom and throughout Edo State. The monarch's declaration was made in Benin City, where residents gathered at the entrance gate of the Oba’s palace. Participants brought various items for the ceremony, during which libations were poured to invoke the curse against criminal activities. This gathering at the entrance gate of the Oba’s palace in Benin City saw numerous individuals participating, bringing forth the items requested for the spiritual rites. During the ceremony, libations were poured over these items, a key part of the traditional invocation against criminal elements.
The Spiritual Exercise
Oba Ewuare II enacted the curse through the priests and priestesses of all shrines in his kingdom, the physicians (Ewaise), the Iwebo society, and Aiyelala. The spiritual exercise commenced with a procession originating from the Oba palace grounds. This procession was led by various adherents, all clad in traditional “Ododo” attire, as they moved through the city. The placing of the curse, a significant spiritual event, began with this procession, symbolizing the unified approach of the kingdom's spiritual authorities.
During the ceremony, deadly curses were also pronounced upon sponsors of bloodletting activities and other social crimes. This included individuals who actively sought the downfall of the Benin Kingdom. These curses were specifically targeted at those who financially or logistically supported violent acts and other societal transgressions, extending to anyone working against the stability and prosperity of the Benin Kingdom. Concurrently, prayers were offered for those working diligently to ensure the kingdom's progress and development. The spiritual rites also included supplications for the fortification of the land, aiming to protect it against any potential invasion by bandits and other criminal elements. Prayers were held for individuals working tirelessly to ensure the kingdom’s progress and development, reinforcing the positive aspects of the monarch's spiritual intervention.
Ancient Methods for Modern Ills
The monarch stated that the kingdom would now revert to historical methods for addressing security issues within Edo State. Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, emphasized that these ancient traditional ways were necessary to resolve contemporary security challenges. He said it was time to revert to the ancient traditional ways of resolving security challenges in the State, signaling a deliberate shift in strategy to combat rising crime. The move signifies a reliance on spiritual and cultural practices to combat crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery that have affected the region. This approach involves ceremonies and pronouncements delivered by palace priests and other traditional societies, drawing upon the deep-rooted customs of the Benin Kingdom to enforce order and deter criminal activities. The Oba's declaration shows a belief in the efficacy of traditional deterrents alongside modern law enforcement efforts, noting a blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary needs.
Community Response and Concerns
The spiritual exercise was conducted in the early hours of Wednesday. During the ceremony, the ancestors and ancestral spirits were called upon to bear witness against individuals seeking to destabilise the peace of Edo State. Prayers and invocations were made to affirm the monarch's curse against criminals. Additionally, fortifications were built as part of the spiritual rites to protect the land from potential bandit invasions. These actions aimed to reinforce the kingdom's defenses against criminal elements through traditional means, complementing the Oba's earlier pronouncements. Additional fortifications were built to protect the land against any bandit invasion, showing the full nature of the spiritual and protective measures undertaken.
