The Ooni of Ife and permanent chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has sought end to banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities  in Yorubaland.

The monarch made the call on Sunday at the Ile-Oodua Palace during the activities marking the grand finale of the 2026 World Ifa Festival held in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

A statement on Sunday by the director of media and public affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, noted that the Ooni who is also the co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), expressed concern over insecurity in parts of the country and urged stakeholders to join hands with government authorities  in restoring peace and safety.

The Ooni called on traditional rulers across Yorubaland to strengthen collaboration among themselves and work closely with security agencies to combat criminals operating within their domains.

“We must rise collectively against the menace of banditry and kidnapping. Enough is enough. Our people deserve to live in peace and move freely without fear. Traditional rulers must take greater responsibility in safeguarding their communities while supporting the efforts of the government and security agencies,” the Ooni stated.

Mr Ogunwusi urged Ifa devotees and traditional worshippers across the country to deploy the spiritual and cultural resources embedded in African traditional institutions in the fight against insecurity.

“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. Our ancestors stood for justice, peace, and communal harmony, and we must invoke those values at this critical time,” he added.

The Ooni also commended President Bola Tinubu for the ongoing efforts of his administration in tackling insecurity across the country, noting that though challenges remain, the government demonstrated commitment towards addressing security concerns.

He stressed that sustainable peace could only be achieved through collective responsibility and national unity.

“This is a time for unity. Government alone cannot solve the security challenges facing the nation. Traditional institutions, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and citizens must work together in support of ongoing efforts to secure our country,” the Ooni said.

The statement added that the Ooni offered special ancestral prayers for the safe release of pupils l and teachers abducted by bandits in Oyo and Borno states.

He described the incidents as painful and unacceptable, praying that divine intervention would secure the freedom of victims and comfort affected families.

The Ooni’s ancestral prayers followed the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers during attacks on three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The affected schools include Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle; and L.A. Primary School. During the attacks, the bandits killed one teacher and later beheaded another teacher in captivity.

Similarly, in Mussa, Borno State, gunmen attacked three educational institutions and abducted over 50 children, aged between two and five years. The affected schools were Government Day Secondary School, Mussa Central Primary School, and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Secondary School.

Speaking at the event, the Araba Awo Agbaye, Awodotun Aworeni, urged Nigerians to embrace their cultural heritage and uphold the moral teachings embedded in Ifa tradition.

According to him, Ifa remains a divine source of wisdom, guidance, and moral direction capable of fostering peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.

“The message of this year’s World Ifa Festival revolves around peace, unity, good relationships with fellow human beings, respect for elders, and collective responsibility for societal progress. If humanity embraces these values, the world will become a better place,” the Araba Awo Agbaye stated.

Also speaking, a tourist from Brazil, Paulo Silva, expressed admiration for the richness of Yoruba culture and the spiritual significance of the festival.

He said his participation in the event deepened his understanding of African traditional heritage and strengthened the cultural connection between Africa and the African diaspora.

“I am deeply impressed by the preservation of Yoruba culture and traditions. The World Ifa Festival has provided an opportunity for people from different parts of the world to reconnect with their roots and appreciate the enduring relevance of African civilization,” he said.

He also commended the Ooni of Ife for his efforts in promoting Yoruba culture, African spirituality, tourism, and cultural diplomacy on the global stage.