The revered monarch of the ancient Benin Kingdom, Oba Ewuare II, has called for an emergency meeting involving native doctors, traditional priests, and priestesses as concerns grow over worsening insecurity in Edo State and other parts of Nigeria.
The meeting, according to a statement released by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), is part of broader efforts to explore traditional approaches that can complement existing government measures aimed at tackling crime and restoring peace. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Emergency Meeting Scheduled for June 23
The statement, issued on Friday by Chief Victor Nosakhare on behalf of the BTC Secretary, Frank Irabor, disclosed that the gathering will hold at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
According to the palace, the directive was issued personally by Oba Ewuare II and should be treated with urgency by all invited participants.
The statement emphasized that the objective of the meeting is to examine how indigenous institutions and traditional religious practitioners can contribute meaningfully to ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.
Rising Security Concerns in Edo State
The decision comes at a time when residents of Edo State continue to express concerns over increasing cases of kidnapping, cult-related violence, armed robbery, and other criminal activities.
Security challenges in some communities have sparked calls for more collaborative approaches involving government agencies, local communities, and traditional institutions.
Observers believe the Oba’s intervention highlights the important role traditional rulers continue to play in maintaining peace and mobilizing grassroots support for security initiatives.
In a related development, the Benin Traditional Council has announced plans to hold another meeting with youth leaders, popularly known as Okaighele, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The meeting will also take place at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City at noon.
According to the palace, the engagement forms part of wider consultations designed to strengthen community involvement in efforts to improve public safety and address security concerns across the state.
Over the years, traditional institutions have remained influential in community affairs, especially in conflict resolution, cultural preservation, and social order.
Many stakeholders believe that involving traditional leaders and indigenous institutions in security discussions could help improve intelligence gathering, community policing, and public awareness.
The latest move by Oba Ewuare II is therefore seen as a significant step towards fostering cooperation between traditional structures and formal security agencies in the ongoing fight against crime.
As insecurity continues to pose challenges across Nigeria, many residents will be watching closely to see what outcomes emerge from the palace consultations and how they may contribute to restoring peace and stability in Edo State.