The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has stepped into the battle against rising insecurity in Edo State, summoning native doctors, traditional priests and priestesses for an emergency meeting as kidnappings, cult clashes and violent crimes continue to threaten public safety.
The move comes amid a hardline stance by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who recently vowed to sign execution warrants for convicted kidnappers and other violent criminals sentenced to death by the courts.
In a major traditional intervention aimed at complementing government efforts, Oba Ewuare II directed all native doctors, traditional priests and priestesses in the Benin Kingdom to report to the Oba’s Palace on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, for an urgent security meeting.
According to a statement signed by Chief Victor Nosakhare on behalf of the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, the meeting will focus on the worsening security situation in Edo State and Nigeria at large.
The palace said the gathering, scheduled for 12 noon prompt, was convened under the direct authority of the revered monarch and should be treated with utmost urgency.
The statement noted that the meeting would explore traditional approaches that could complement ongoing government efforts to tackle insecurity and restore peace across the state.
In a related development, the Benin Traditional Council has also summoned youth leaders, popularly known as Okaighele, to a separate meeting at the palace on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The back-to-back meetings signal a stronger involvement of the Benin Palace in supporting security agencies and community-based efforts to curb the growing menace of kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes.
The traditional intervention comes on the heels of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s tough warning to criminals operating in the state.
Speaking on Thursday during the parade of kidnapping suspects at the Edo State Police Command headquarters in Benin City, the governor vowed to establish a special court for the speedy trial of kidnappers and cultists.
According to him, the court would conclude proceedings within two weeks, after which convicted offenders would face the full weight of the law.
“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,” Okpebholo declared.
The governor further warned that criminals would no longer enjoy safe haven in Edo State.
“The hoodlums will never find peace in Edo. The message to all criminals is that they will not go free after committing 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.
Okpebholo also appealed to residents to stay away from crime, stressing that no criminal venture is worth risking one’s life for.
He advised young people to embrace legitimate means of livelihood rather than engage in activities that could lead to imprisonment or death.
The latest moves by both the Edo State Government and the Benin Palace underscore growing concerns over insecurity and the determination of authorities to deploy every lawful means available to restore peace and protect lives and property in the state.
