ORIIRE KIDNAP: Yoruba Unity Can Defeat Insecurity, Ekiti Parapo Example Still Relevant – Oluwo Agbaye, Chief Olayiwola Bankole Says
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — TRADITIONAL Spiritual leader, Chief Olayiwola Bankole Adisa, who also doubles as the Oluwo Agbaye, has called on Nigerians, particularly the Yoruba people, to embrace unity and draw lessons from their ancestral heritage in tackling the growing insecurity across the country.
Speaking with journalists in Ibadan while reacting to the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, the traditional leader described the incident as a painful reflection of the nation’s worsening security challenges.
According to him, the kidnapping of innocent schoolchildren has generated widespread concern among parents and communities, stressing that urgent and collective action is required to address the situation.
“This matter is of urgent importance. Nobody can hear what happened to the Oriire children and not feel pain or anger. We all have children in universities, secondary schools and primary schools,” he said.
Oluwo Agbaye argued that traditional Yoruba institutions, communal vigilance, and indigenous spiritual practices played significant roles in maintaining peace and social order in the past.
He maintained that modern security efforts should not completely overlook indigenous knowledge and cultural values that once helped communities protect lives and property.
“The only hope we have of not being wiped out is for us to return to the ways of our forefathers and seek the spiritual roots that founded us,” he stated.
Drawing parallels with the historic Ekiti Parapo movement, he said Yoruba communities have a history of collective action in confronting threats and defending their people.
According to him, greater unity among Yoruba communities would strengthen efforts to combat criminal elements and improve local security.
“If we want things to return to normal and insecurity to end, we must return to our forefathers’ ways, Ogun worship, masquerade traditions and Ifa consultation. Our ancestors did not rely on guns and cutlasses alone; they used spiritual strength,” he added.
The traditional leader further stressed that the country’s security crisis requires a combination of physical and spiritual approaches, noting that the wisdom and methods employed by previous generations should not be discarded.
He also expressed concern over the plight of the abducted schoolchildren and their families, calling on relevant authorities and stakeholders to intensify efforts toward securing their safe return.
“Our traditional religion still exists, and we continue to pray. Every Monday, we pray for Nigeria and for the release of the Oriire children,” he said.
Oluwo Agbaye urged Nigerians to work together irrespective of religious or political differences, emphasizing that collective responsibility remains essential in overcoming insecurity and restoring public confidence in safety across the country.