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The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has gone traditional in the fight against criminals in the state, summoning native doctors, traditional priests, and others over rising insecurity in Edo
The intervention of the Omo’N’Oba also followed recent threats by Edo governor, Monday Okpebholo, to sign execution warrants for those convicted of involvement in kidnappings and other violent crimes that carry a death sentence in the state.
As part of his bid to complement government efforts in tackling the current insecurity, Oba Ewuare has directed the native doctors, traditional priests, and priestesses to report on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Oba’s Palace for an urgent meeting.
The meeting, according to a statement signed by Chief Victor Nosakhare on behalf of Benin Traditional Council Secretary Frank Irabor, will deliberate on the worsening security crisis in Edo in particular and Nigeria in Nigeria and the meeting will hold at 12 p.m. prompt.
The statement stated that the meeting, convened under the authority and directive of Oba Ewuare II, should be treated with utmost urgency.
According to the statement, it is aimed at exploring traditional means to complement government efforts in tackling insecurity.
In a related development, the Benin Traditional Council will on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, play host to the youth leaders, known as Okaighele, at the same time and venue, according to another statement from the palace authority.
The development signalled involvement of the palace as traditional institutions moved to support security agencies amid rising kidnapping and cult-related violence in the state.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has threatened to sign execution warrants for those convicted of involvement in kidnappings and other violent crimes that carry a death sentence in the state.
Okpebholo said this on Thursday during a parade of kidnapping suspects at the Edo State Police Command headquarters in Benin City, where he also rewarded officers who arrested a suspect linked to a recent kidnapping at the Vegetable Market.
“We are going to set up a special court to prosecute kidnappers and cultists, and within two weeks, the court will be done with proceedings, and I will sign the execution warrant.
“We will take you to the Ring Road roundabout so that Edo people can watch. I will have no regret about it. Don’t take my simplicity for granted.
“The hoodlums will never find peace in Edo. The message to all criminals is that they will not go free after committing a crime in this state.
“You will be arrested. We are ready for you and your sponsors. We are working day and night to make sure this land is safe,” he said.
The governor, however, appealed to Edo residents to steer clear of criminal activity, saying it is cheaper to live within one’s means than to gamble one’s life on crime.
