Ooni of Ife insecurity call urges Yoruba monarchs to strengthen security collaboration amid rising banditry and kidnapping

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Sunday called on traditional rulers across Yorubaland to strengthen collaboration with security agencies in response to rising cases of banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes affecting communities across the region.

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Ooni of Ife raises alarm over insecurity was made during the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa Festival held in Ile-Ife, where the monarch stressed the need for a stronger integration of traditional authority structures with modern security operations.

In a statement released by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, the monarch urged royal fathers to deepen cooperation among themselves while maintaining close engagement with government authorities and security operatives.

Oba Ogunwusi emphasised that traditional institutions remain a vital pillar in maintaining peace and stability at the grassroots level, noting that community-driven approaches could significantly complement official security efforts.

The monarch described the worsening security situation as a challenge requiring urgent and collective action, urging traditional rulers to draw on ancestral values of justice, unity and communal harmony in confronting criminal elements.

In what he described as a decisive moment for leadership, Oba Ogunwusi said traditional rulers must actively support efforts to rid Yorubaland and Nigeria of banditry and kidnapping.

“Enough is enough. Our people deserve to live in peace and move freely without fear,” the monarch stated, calling for stronger responsibility among custodians of tradition.

He further stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved by government alone, describing the current insecurity challenge as one that requires unity across all sectors, including religious leaders, community stakeholders and citizens.

Ooni also commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing efforts to address insecurity nationwide, while insisting that sustained cooperation remains essential for meaningful progress.

As part of the festival proceedings, Oba Ogunwusi offered prayers for the safe return of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states, describing the incidents as deeply distressing.

He expressed hope for their swift release and comfort for affected families, while reiterating his call for collective responsibility in safeguarding communities.

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The remarks add to growing national conversations around insecurity, with traditional institutions increasingly being urged to play more active roles in local security coordination.