BENIN-CITY: Amid growing concerns over insecurity in Edo State and across Nigeria, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has called an emergency meeting with native doctors, traditional priests and priestesses to discuss ways of addressing the worsening situation.
The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City, will commence at 12 noon and is expected to bring together custodians of traditional practices from across the kingdom.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by Chief Victor Nosakhare on behalf of the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor.
According to the palace, the meeting is being convened under the authority and directive of Oba Ewuare II and should be treated with utmost urgency.
The statement explained that the gathering is aimed at exploring traditional approaches that could complement ongoing efforts by security agencies and government authorities in combating insecurity.
The move comes against the backdrop of rising cases of kidnapping, cult-related violence and other criminal activities in Edo State and several parts of the country.
In a related development, the Benin Traditional Council has also scheduled a separate meeting with youth leaders, known as Okaighele, for Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Oba’s Palace.
Like the meeting with traditional worship leaders, the session with the youth leaders will begin at 12 noon and is expected to focus on ways of strengthening community participation in efforts to restore peace and security.
The twin meetings underscore the growing involvement of traditional institutions in supporting security agencies and promoting grassroots solutions to the challenges posed by criminal activities.
Observers say the intervention by the revered monarch highlights the increasing concern among community leaders over the deteriorating security situation and the need for collective action to safeguard lives and property.
The Oba of Benin has, on several occasions, advocated closer collaboration between traditional institutions, government authorities and local communities in tackling social and security challenges affecting the nation.
With insecurity remaining a major concern in many parts of Nigeria, stakeholders are expected to closely watch the outcome of the palace meetings and any recommendations that may emerge from them.
