We Can Fight Terrorists With ‘Juju’ – Yoruba Monarchs Agree With Ooni of IfeTraditional rulers across Yorubaland have expressed support for the recent call by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, urging monarchs to deploy traditional institutions, ancestral values, and indigenous spiritual heritage in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
The position has sparked nationwide discussion following remarks made by the revered monarch during the grand finale of the 2026 World Ifa Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where he emphasized the need for traditional rulers to play a more active role in securing their communities.
According to reports, the Ooni called on Yoruba monarchs to combine traditional authority, cultural values, and collaboration with security agencies to combat criminal activities threatening lives and livelihoods across the region. He stressed that insecurity had reached a level that requires collective action from both government institutions and traditional leaders.
Speaking through a statement issued by his media office, the monarch urged royal fathers to strengthen cooperation among themselves and support efforts aimed at restoring peace and order in their domains. He noted that traditional institutions have historically played significant roles in maintaining law and order within communities.
The Ooni’s remarks have reportedly received backing from several Yoruba traditional rulers and cultural stakeholders who believe indigenous systems can complement modern security strategies. Supporters argue that traditional rulers possess deep knowledge of their communities, local intelligence networks, and cultural mechanisms that could help identify and deter criminal elements.
Many of the monarchs emphasized that the call should not be interpreted as a replacement for conventional security operations but rather as a complementary approach that brings together community vigilance, cultural values, and cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
The development comes amid growing concerns over persistent cases of banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks in various parts of Nigeria. Security experts have repeatedly highlighted the importance of community-based intelligence gathering as a critical component of combating insecurity.
During the festival, the Ooni also offered prayers for the safe release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in recent attacks and called for greater unity among Nigerians in confronting security challenges. He maintained that government efforts alone may not be sufficient without the support of traditional institutions, religious leaders, and local communities.
As reactions continue to trail the statement, the conversation has once again brought attention to the role of traditional institutions in modern governance and security, particularly in regions where monarchs remain influential figures within local communities. While opinions remain divided on the effectiveness of spiritual and ancestral methods, many stakeholders agree that stronger collaboration between traditional rulers and security agencies could contribute to efforts aimed at restoring peace across affected areas.
