2026 World Ifa Festival: Ooni Calls For End To Banditry & Offers Ancestral Prayers For Safe Release Of Abducted Students And Teachers

 

 

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has called for an end to banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity threatening lives and livelihoods across Nigeria, particularly in Yorubaland.

 

The revered monarch made the call on Sunday at his Ile-Oodua Palace during activities marking the grand finale of the 2026 World Ifa Festival held in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in parts of the country and urged all stakeholders to join hands with government authorities in restoring peace and safety.

 

The Ooni specifically called on traditional rulers across Yorubaland to strengthen collaboration among themselves and work closely with security agencies to combat criminal elements operating within their domains.

“We must rise collectively against the menace of banditry and kidnapping. Enough is enough. Our people deserve to live in peace and move freely without fear. Traditional rulers must take greater responsibility in safeguarding their communities while supporting the efforts of the government and security agencies,” the Ooni stated.

The Ooni Ogunwunsi further urged Ifa devotees and traditional worshippers across the country to deploy the spiritual and cultural resources embedded in African traditional institutions in the fight against insecurity.

“We must bring together our traditional powers, spiritual heritage, and communal values to chase bandits, kidnappers, and all criminal elements out of Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole. Our ancestors stood for justice, peace, and communal harmony, and we must invoke those values at this critical time,” he added.

The Ooni also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the ongoing efforts of his administration in tackling insecurity across the country, noting that although challenges remain, the government has demonstrated commitment towards addressing security concerns.

He stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through collective responsibility and national unity.

“This is a time for unity. Government alone cannot solve the security challenges facing the nation. Traditional institutions, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and citizens must work together in support of ongoing efforts to secure our country,” the Ooni said.

As part of the spiritual activities marking the festival, the Ooni offered special ancestral prayers for the safe release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states.

He described the incidents as painful and unacceptable, praying that divine intervention would secure the immediate freedom of all victims and comfort affected families.

The Ooni’s ancestral prayers followed the abduction of over 40 schoolchildren, including toddlers, and seven teachers during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The affected schools include Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle; and L.A. Primary School. During the attacks, gunmen reportedly killed one teacher and later beheaded another teacher while in captivity.

Similarly, in Mussa, Borno State, gunmen attacked three educational institutions and abducted more than 50 children, most of them between the ages of two and five years. The affected schools were Government Day Secondary School, Mussa Central Primary School, and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Secondary School.

Speaking at the event, the Araba Awo Agbaye, Chief Awodotun Aworeni, urged Nigerians to embrace their cultural heritage and uphold the moral teachings embedded in Ifa tradition.

According to him, Ifa remains a divine source of wisdom, guidance, and moral direction capable of fostering peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.

“The message of this year’s World Ifa Festival revolves around peace, unity, good relationships with fellow human beings, respect for elders, and collective responsibility for societal progress. If humanity embraces these values, the world will become a better place,” the Araba Awo Agbaye stated.

Also speaking, a tourist from Brazil, Paulo Silva expressed admiration for the richness of Yoruba culture and the spiritual significance of the festival.

He said his participation in the event had deepened his understanding of African traditional heritage and strengthened the cultural connection between Africa and the African diaspora.

“I am deeply impressed by the preservation of Yoruba culture and traditions. The World Ifa Festival has provided an opportunity for people from different parts of the world to reconnect with their roots and appreciate the enduring relevance of African civilization,” he said.

He also commended the Ooni of Ife for his relentless efforts in promoting Yoruba culture, African spirituality, tourism, and cultural diplomacy on the global stage.