IBADAN — The abduction of dozens of pupils, students and teachers in Oyo State has ignited renewed debate over insecurity in the South-West, with prominent Yoruba monarchs, traditionalists and community leaders pledging to deploy ancestral powers alongside conventional security efforts to combat terrorism and kidnapping across the region.
The controversy follows the May 15, 2026 attack on Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School and Community High School in Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where armed terrorists stormed the schools in broad daylight.
During the attack, which lasted only a short period, a teacher was killed while 39 pupils and students, including toddlers, alongside seven teachers, were abducted and taken into a nearby forest. Reports indicate that another teacher was later killed in captivity, while one of the abducted pupils also died. Nearly one month after the incident, the remaining victims are yet to be rescued, fueling public outrage and triggering protests by teachers and residents.
The development has heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in the South-West and prompted calls for alternative approaches to safeguarding communities.
Speaking at the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa Festival, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, described the abduction as painful and unacceptable, urging traditional rulers across Yorubaland to unite and deploy ancestral resources against criminal elements.
“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,” the monarch said.
“Our ancestors stood for justice, peace and communal harmony. We must invoke those values at this critical time. Traditional rulers must take greater responsibility in safeguarding their communities while supporting the efforts of government and security agencies.”
The Ooni’s remarks have since generated mixed reactions. While some residents questioned the relevance of ancestral powers in an era dominated by sophisticated weapons and modern warfare, traditional rulers and cultural leaders insisted that indigenous security mechanisms remain potent and effective.
Traditional Rulers Defend Indigenous Security Measures
The Olojudo of Ido and former Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, maintained that traditional spiritual methods remain capable of addressing security challenges when properly applied.
According to him, indigenous security practices protected Yoruba communities for centuries before the advent of modern policing.
“Our native means are potent and effective for those who understand their proper application. It is not all about guns. Our forefathers relied on these powers to defend their communities against invaders, and those powers still exist today,” he said.
Renowned traditionalist Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon also argued that the South-West’s forests could be secured through traditional means without firing a single shot.
He called on governors in the region to convene a security summit involving traditional authorities, hunters and custodians of indigenous knowledge.
“These methods are still available and effective. What is required is government support and collaboration. Traditional institutions know those who possess the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the protection of our communities,” Elebuibon stated.
‘We Are Ready to Act’ — Deji of Akure
The Deji of Akureland, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, speaking through his media manager, Michael Adeyeye, affirmed support for the Ooni’s position, saying traditional rulers were already considering practical ways to deploy indigenous resources in combating insecurity.
“The position of the Ooni is sacrosanct. We are not leaving any stone unturned in exploring ways of deploying our ancestral heritage to protect our people,” he said.
He, however, stressed that such efforts would be pursued within the confines of the law and in collaboration with existing security structures.
Security Groups Back Traditional Approach
Commander of the Oodua Security Network (OSN), Olayemi Victor Egbeola, declared that Yoruba communities possess traditional capabilities to confront criminal elements but have been constrained by existing government regulations.
“There is power in Yorubaland to confront insecurity. We are ready to deploy it once the necessary approvals are granted by traditional rulers and relevant government authorities,” he said.
Spiritual Powers Should Complement Security Agencies — Ifa Council
Offering a more measured perspective, President of the International Council for Ifa Religion, Chief Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, emphasized that ancestral powers should be viewed as complementary rather than alternative solutions to conventional security operations.
“The Yoruba worldview does not present spiritual forces as substitutes for human responsibility, effective governance or law enforcement,” he explained.
“Security challenges are complex and require collaboration among governments, traditional institutions, security agencies, religious bodies and citizens. Spiritual interventions can strengthen communal resolve, but they must work alongside practical security measures.”
Elders Cite Government Failure
General Secretary of the Ekiti Council of Elders, Elder Niyi Ajibulu, attributed the growing calls for traditional intervention to perceived failures by government authorities to adequately protect lives and property.
“When government appears overwhelmed, communities naturally begin to look inward and seek alternative means of protection. Only desperate measures can address a desperate situation,” he said.
Debate Reflects Broader Cultural Concerns
Community leader Mr. Niyi Rotimi argued that the discussion extends beyond security and touches on the gradual erosion of Yoruba cultural identity.
According to him, indigenous spirituality historically played central roles in governance, warfare, hunting and community protection before colonial influence and the spread of foreign religions diminished its prominence.
“The capacity still exists,” Rotimi said. “What is required is unity among traditional institutions, coordinated leadership and a deliberate effort to mobilize stakeholders across Yorubaland.”
Growing Pressure for Action
As concern mounts over the fate of the abducted pupils and teachers still being held in captivity, pressure continues to build on government authorities, security agencies and traditional institutions to find lasting solutions to the region’s worsening insecurity.
While opinions remain divided on the efficacy of ancestral powers, stakeholders agree on one point: the kidnapping crisis has exposed deep frustrations over the state of security and intensified calls for urgent, coordinated action to restore peace across Yorubaland.
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