Perturbed by the continued detention of pupils and their teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinele in Orire local government area of Oyo State, scores of female animists from across Egbaland on Friday staged spiritual procession round major streets of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital in a bid to supernaturally secure the release of victims.
Clad in white traditional worship attire and carrying various ritual paraphernalia, the women moved through prominent cultural and spiritual landmarks in Abeokuta, invoking ancestral spirits and deities to intervene in the worsening security situation and facilitate the victims’ release within seven days.
The spiritual exercise was led by the Yeye Olokun Agbaye and Olori of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom, Dr. Omolara Fashola-MacGregor, who described the procession as a sacred appeal and act of appeasement to revered deities and ancestral spirits for protection over Yorubaland and the nation at large.
The traditional worshippers visited several sacred shrines, including those at Olumo Rock, Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, and the shrine of the legendary Egba warrior, Sodeke, before concluding the procession at the Itoku shrine located at Orita Aje Junction in Abeokuta.
At each location, prayers were offered and traditional rites performed in line with longstanding cultural practices. The participants called upon the gods of the land, ancestral heroes and protective deities to intervene in the security challenges confronting the nation and particularly the plight of those currently in captivity.
Addressing journalists during the exercise, Fashola-MacGregor said the initiative was borne out of deep concern for the safety of innocent schoolchildren, their teachers, and other Nigerians currently being held captive by kidnappers. “We are here to appeal to the deities of our forefathers and the spirits of our heroes to intervene in this troubling situation.
“Our prayers are focused on the safe return of those who have been abducted. We believe that when people unite in faith, sincerity and purpose, divine intervention is possible,” she said.
According to her, the alarming rise in insecurity across several communities demands collective action involving government, security agencies, religious organisations and traditional institutions.
Fashola-MacGregor maintained that traditional institutions remain critical stakeholders in promoting peace, social harmony and communal well-being.
“Our ancestors protected these lands and stood firmly for justice. We are invoking their blessings and protection at a time when many families are experiencing pain, fear and uncertainty,” she added.
During the prayers, the monarch offered special supplications for President Bola Tinubu, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, and other traditional rulers across Yorubaland, including her husband, the Olu of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom, Oba Alexander Olusegun MacGregor.
The procession attracted attention from residents and traders who watched as the women chanted traditional songs of supplication and performed rituals at designated spiritual centres across the city.
The traditionalists called on ancestral heroes, protective deities and custodians of the land to intervene in the nation’s security challenges, particularly the plight of abducted citizens and their families.
They expressed optimism that their spiritual efforts would complement ongoing operations by security agencies and hasten the safe return of the victims.
The procession ended with final prayers at the Itoku shrine, where participants collectively sought peace, protection and an end to the scourge of kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.
The procession also served as a broader call for unity among communities and renewed commitment by all stakeholders to address the growing insecurity threatening lives and livelihoods nationwide.
