Oba of Benin Ewuare II Fixes July 2 to Curse Kidnappers in Edo

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, has fixed Thursday, July 2, 2026, for a spiritual exercise in which traditionalists will place curses on kidnappers, armed robbers, bandits, ritual killers, and their collaborators across Edo State.

The monarch gave the directive on Tuesday during a meeting at his palace in Benin City with native doctors, priests, priestesses, and adherents of traditional religion, including Osokpikan, Aiyelala, and Olokun worshippers, who were instructed to begin a week-long spiritual exercise immediately.

The exercise will culminate at 6:00 a.m. on July 2 at the Oba’s Palace, where curses will be formally pronounced against all criminal elements and those aiding their activities.

Addressing the gathering, Oba Ewuare II said the directive came from God Almighty and the royal ancestors of the Benin Kingdom in response to the worsening security situation in Edo State and beyond. “The message is from the ancestors. Edo people at home and in the diaspora should hear this,” he said. “The criminals know that God Almighty and our ancestors will not allow their evil to prevail in Edo. The past Obas in Benin will not allow their wishes to prevail. It is time they give up on their activities.”

Speaking through Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin, the monarch stressed that the traditional institution must complement ongoing efforts by security agencies and the state government, noting that the Benin Palace had also intensified behind-the-scenes spiritual consultations. The Edo State Government separately announced plans to establish special courts to fast-track prosecution of armed robbers, kidnappers, and ritual practitioners.

“After 10 days, you all will return to the palace with all you have to place curses on those involved in these evil acts. We want to see change,” Oba Ewuare said.