Traditional priest urges return to ancestral values to tackle insecurity in Yorubaland
Ifatoyin Adeyeye, the Araba-Ogboni of Osi-Ekiti in Ido/Osi LGA of Ekiti state, has called on Yoruba elders and traditional institutions to revive ancestral values and cultural heritage as part of efforts to address the growing insecurity across the country.
Adeyeye spoke while expressing concern over the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, which he described as a major threat to peace and development.
The traditional priest said the security challenges confronting Nigeria required a collective response that includes drawing lessons from the values and communal systems upheld by past generations.
According to him, Yoruba society was historically guided by principles of justice, peace and communal harmony, making it difficult for criminal elements to thrive.
He argued that the erosion of traditional values and the increasing embrace of foreign cultures had contributed to the challenges currently facing society.
“We must return to the values and principles that guided our forefathers. Our ancestors stood for justice, peace and communal harmony, and it was difficult for bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements to operate in Yorubaland,” he said.
Adeyeye urged traditional priests and cultural custodians across Yorubaland to work together in promoting values that encourage social order and peaceful coexistence.
He also called for stronger efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping, stressing that residents deserve to live and move freely without fear.
The traditional priest further advocated closer cooperation among local security groups, including Agbekoya and the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), as well as collaboration with national security agencies to improve security across the region.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for policies aimed at strengthening the country, Adeyeye identified insecurity as one of the major challenges confronting the administration.
He expressed optimism that greater collaboration among traditional institutions, community-based groups and security agencies would contribute to efforts to restore peace and stability in Yorubaland and across Nigeria.
