ICIR urges Tinubu to involve traditionalists in shaping national policies.

Adherents of traditional religion have called on the federal government to include them in policy-making, national dialogues, and other critical matters affecting the country.

Dr Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, President of the International Council for Ifá Religion (ICIR), made the appeal during the recently concluded World Ifá Festival 2026 in Ile‑Ifè, Osun State.

In a statement released by ICIR Public Relations Officer Awoyemi Ifajemisin Ayanladun and sent to DAILY POST on Tuesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Fakayode explained that involving traditional practitioners is essential for social inclusion and for fostering peace and harmony nationwide.

He added that incorporating indigenous faith practitioners into national development and policy formulation would help ensure sustainable progress in Nigeria.

While delivering the Ifá of the year, “Oṣá Mẹ́jì,” at the palace of the Ooni of Ile‑Ifè, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Fakayode expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of kidnappings and banditry across the country.

He said that persistent violent crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, ritual killings, terrorism, and banditry are major sources of pain and concern for most Nigerians.

Fakayode then urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to involve traditionalists in finding workable solutions to these problems.

“We expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of kidnappings and banditry across the country. The persistent insecurity remains a source of pain and concern to adherents of indigenous faith. The loss of innocent lives to criminal activities is heartbreaking and we pray that the sacrifices of those who have fallen victim to banditry will not be in vain,” he said.

“We appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to recognise and harness the contributions of indigenous faith communities in nation‑building and peace initiatives.”

Ogunwusi, who also chairs the Council of Nigerian Traditional Rulers, called on Babalawo and Ifá practitioners from around the world who attended the festival to continue supporting efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in Nigeria.

The traditional ruler urged them not to leave the nation unattended.

He reiterated the historic role of Orunmila in fostering peace and unity among humanity and expressed confidence that, despite the challenges, Nigeria will rise again through unity, commitment, and collective action.