Insecurity: Monarch summons native doctors, priests

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has summoned native doctors, traditional priests, and priestesses to an urgent meeting over the worsening security crisis in Edo State and Nigeria.

Chief Victor Nosakhare made this known to newsmen on behalf of Benin Traditional Council Secretary Frank Irabor on Friday.

A statement by Nosakhare noted that the meeting would be held at 12pm prompt on June 23, 2026 at the Oba’s Palace.

The palace said the meeting, convened under the authority and directive of Oba Ewuare II, must be treated with utmost urgency.

According to the statement, it is aimed at exploring traditional means to complement the government’s efforts in tackling insecurity.

In a related development, the Benin Traditional Council will host youth leaders, known as Okaighele, the following day, June 24, 2026, at the same time and venue, according to another statement from the palace authority.

The development signals the involvement of the palace as traditional institutions move to support security agencies amid rising kidnapping and cult-related violence in the state.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖