Women Traditionalists Raid Sacred Sites, Calling on Deities Amid Oyo Kidnap Incident

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Concerned by the growing wave of insecurity and the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State, women and traditional worshippers from Orile-Ilawo Kingdom in Egbaland have embarked on a spiritual exercise aimed at securing the release of victims held in captivity.

The exercise was led by the Olori of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom, Dr. Omolara Fashola‑MacGregor, who described the initiative as a sacred appeal to the deities and ancestral spirits revered across Egbaland.

The delegation, comprising scores of women, traditionalists and cultural adherents, visited several historical and spiritual landmarks in Abeokuta and its environs to offer prayers and supplications for divine intervention.

Among the sites visited were the iconic Olumo Rock, the Sodeke Memorial, the Itoku Cenotaph and other revered traditional centres known for their significance in Egba history and spirituality.

At each location, prayers were offered while traditional rites were performed in accordance with longstanding cultural practices.

The participants called upon the gods of the land, ancestral heroes and protective deities to intervene in the security challenges confronting the nation and particularly the plight of those currently in captivity.

Addressing journalists during the spiritual procession, Dr. Fashola‑MacGregor said the exercise was not only about preserving tradition but also about seeking divine mercy and protection for innocent citizens.

“We are here to appeal to the deities of our forefathers and the spirits of our heroes to intervene in this troubling situation,” she said.

“Our prayers are focused on the safe return of those who have been abducted. We believe that when the people unite in faith and sincerity, divine intervention is possible.”

The Olori noted that insecurity has become a major concern across many communities and requires collective efforts from government, security agencies, religious groups and traditional institutions.

She stressed that traditional institutions have a role to play in promoting peace, unity and communal wellbeing.

According to her, the spiritual journey across Egba sacred sites was undertaken to appease the gods and seek their guidance in restoring safety to affected families.

“Our ancestors protected these lands and stood for justice. We are invoking their blessings and protection at a time when many families are experiencing pain and uncertainty,” she added.

The women, dressed in white and traditional attire, chanted songs of supplication as they moved from one spiritual centre to another.

Traditional drummers and custodians of various shrines accompanied the procession, lending cultural significance to the exercise.

Some residents who witnessed the event expressed hope that the prayers would complement ongoing efforts by security agencies to rescue the victims.

One of the participants, Mrs. Abeke Sotayo said the gathering demonstrated the concern of women for the wellbeing of the society.

“When mothers cry to God and to the spirits of the land for peace, it is because the burden affects everyone. We want our brothers, sisters and children back home safely,” she said.

Another traditional worshipper, Aare Ibitayo Egunleti remarked that the exercise reflected the enduring relevance of indigenous spiritual practices in addressing communal challenges.

He maintained that traditional institutions remain an important part of society’s moral and cultural fabric.

The event concluded with final prayers at Itoku Cenotaph where participants collectively sought peace, protection and the safe return of all persons currently held by kidnappers.

The procession also served as a call for greater unity among communities and renewed commitment to efforts aimed at tackling insecurity across the country.