By Ado Oyeyemi
Traditional rulers, cultural leaders and stakeholders across the South-West have expressed support for the call by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for the deployment of indigenous spiritual and cultural mechanisms to complement efforts aimed at tackling insecurity in the region.
The renewed debate followed growing concern over the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where dozens of schoolchildren and their teachers were reportedly kidnapped by armed attackers.
Some of the victims remain in captivity, heightening fears among residents and sparking calls for urgent action.
As reported by Vanguard, speaking during the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa Festival, the Ooni described the worsening insecurity as unacceptable and urged traditional rulers to harness Yoruba cultural heritage, communal values and indigenous institutions in support of ongoing efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
His remarks have since generated reactions from traditional leaders, cultural practitioners and community stakeholders, many of whom argued that indigenous methods of community protection remain relevant and could serve as complementary tools in addressing security challenges.
The Olojudo of Ido in Ekiti State, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, said traditional institutions still possess mechanisms capable of supporting community security when properly applied.
According to the monarch, indigenous knowledge systems played significant roles in protecting communities in the past and should not be completely dismissed in contemporary security discussions.
Similarly, renowned traditionalist Ogundeji Elebuibon maintained that indigenous methods could contribute to safeguarding forests and rural communities if integrated into broader security strategies.
He called on South-West governors to convene a regional security summit involving traditional rulers, cultural practitioners and other stakeholders to explore alternative approaches to addressing insecurity.
Elebuibon noted that collaboration between government institutions and custodians of traditional knowledge could help strengthen local security structures.
Also lending his voice, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, said traditional rulers in the region were committed to exploring lawful and responsible ways of protecting their communities.
Speaking through his media aide, the monarch stressed that indigenous institutions remained active and relevant but should be deployed cautiously and within legal boundaries.
He added that consultations were ongoing among stakeholders on how traditional structures could support efforts to improve security across affected communities.
The Ekiti Council of Elders also backed the call for greater community participation in security matters.
Its General Secretary, Niyi Ajibulu, argued that worsening insecurity had compelled many communities to consider additional approaches to complement the work of security agencies.
Ajibulu said indigenous hunters, local vigilantes and traditional institutions could play supportive roles in safeguarding lives and property if properly coordinated.
In the same vein, the Oodua Security Network expressed readiness to support efforts aimed at defending communities against criminal elements.
Its commander, Olayemi Victor Egbeola, said Yoruba communities possess cultural and traditional resources that could contribute to security operations, provided such measures receive the necessary legal backing and approval from relevant authorities.
However, some stakeholders urged caution, insisting that traditional measures should only complement, and not replace, conventional security operations.
President of the International Council for Ifa Religion, Chief Fayemi Fakayode, said the Ooni’s position should be viewed within the context of Yoruba spirituality and traditional governance.
He emphasised that indigenous spiritual practices were not substitutes for security agencies but could strengthen communal resilience, moral values and collective responsibility.
According to him, sustainable security can only be achieved through collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious groups and citizens.
Also commenting, the Convener of the Yoruba Commitment Forum, Otunba Tayo Onayemi, said while traditional approaches should not be disregarded, security remains a constitutional responsibility of government.
He noted that any effort involving indigenous institutions must operate within established legal frameworks and complement existing security structures.
Community leader Niyi Rotimi described the debate as one that extends beyond security concerns to issues of cultural identity and heritage preservation.
He argued that traditional institutions historically played significant roles in governance, conflict resolution and community protection, adding that greater unity and coordination among stakeholders would be required if such systems are to contribute meaningfully to modern security challenges.
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The discussion comes amid rising concerns over kidnappings, attacks on communities and other security threats in parts of the South-West, with stakeholders calling for a combination of conventional and community-based solutions to address the situation.
