By Taibat Ummi Yakubu
A traditional priest in Ekiti State, Chief Ifatoyin Adeyeye, has called for a return to ancestral values and spiritual heritage as a means of addressing the growing challenges of banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria.
Adeyeye, the Araba-Ogboni of Osi-Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Ibadan.
He expressed concern over the worsening state of insecurity across the country, describing the situation as disturbing and requiring urgent intervention.
According to him, Yoruba elders should revive the traditional principles and spiritual practices that guided their forefathers in maintaining peace, justice and security in their communities.
He argued that the increasing insecurity was largely self-inflicted, alleging that the abandonment of indigenous values and traditions in favour of foreign cultures had weakened societal structures that once safeguarded communities.
“Our forefathers used ancestral institutions and values to protect the land and its people. Those systems promoted justice, peace and communal harmony, making it difficult for criminal elements to thrive,” he said.
Adeyeye urged traditional priests across Yoruba land to unite and take a more active role in efforts to curb banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
He stressed the need for collective action to restore peace and ensure that residents could live and move freely without fear.
The traditional priest also commended President Bola Tinubu for policies aimed at advancing national development but identified insecurity as one of the major challenges confronting the administration.
He maintained that stronger community-based approaches rooted in indigenous values could complement ongoing security efforts.
Adeyeye further called for greater collaboration between local security groups, including Agbekoya and the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), and national security agencies to tackle security threats in Yoruba land and across the country.
He said such cooperation would strengthen efforts to address criminal activities and enhance public safety.
