BREAKING: Oba of Benin Summons Native Doctors, Priests Over Rising Insecurity in Edo

• The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has called an emergency meeting of native doctors, traditional priests, and priestesses.

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has summoned native doctors, traditional priests, and priestesses across the Benin Kingdom to an emergency meeting as concerns grow over rising insecurity in Edo State and other parts of the country.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and signed by Chief Victor Nosakhare on behalf of the Council’s Secretary, Frank Irabor.

According to the statement, the monarch believes it has become necessary to explore additional traditional and strategic approaches that can complement the efforts of government and security agencies in restoring peace, law, and order.

“Having taken due cognizance of the prevailing security situation within Edo State and the nation at large, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, has deemed it necessary and expedient to further explore all traditional and strategic means to complement the initiatives of government towards the restoration of peace, order and security in our domain,” the statement read.

The Benin Traditional Council disclosed that all Igiohen N’ Ikpia and Igiohen N’ Ikhuo—traditional doctors and spiritual practitioners within the Benin Kingdom—have been directed to attend the emergency meeting.

The gathering is scheduled to take place at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City.

The palace stressed that the meeting was convened under the direct authority of Oba Ewuare II and should be treated with utmost urgency by all invited participants.

According to the Council, discussions will focus on how traditional institutions and spiritual custodians can contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at combating insecurity and supporting government-led initiatives.

The move comes amid increasing concerns over kidnapping, cult-related violence, armed robbery, and other criminal activities that have continued to threaten public safety in Edo State.

In a related development, the Benin Traditional Council also announced plans to meet with youth leaders, known locally as Okaighele, as part of broader consultations on security issues affecting communities across the kingdom.

The meeting with the youth leaders is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Oba’s Palace.

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Observers say the twin meetings signal a growing determination by the Benin monarchy to mobilise traditional institutions and community stakeholders in support of security agencies and government efforts to address the security challenges confronting the state.

The intervention by the palace comes at a time when authorities in Edo State have intensified measures against kidnappers, cult groups, and other criminal elements responsible for recent attacks and disturbances across the state.

Many residents have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that greater collaboration between traditional institutions, community leaders, and security agencies will help strengthen efforts to restore peace and safety in Edo communities.