Kidnapped Oyo Schoolchildren: Traditionalist Women Storm Shrines, Seek Divine Intervention
Scores of women traditional worshippers from across Egbaland on Friday embarked on a spiritual procession through major streets and sacred sites in Abeokuta, Ogun State, seeking divine intervention for the safe release of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Dressed in white traditional attire and carrying ritual paraphernalia, the women visited several revered cultural and spiritual landmarks, offering prayers and performing rites aimed at securing the release of the victims and addressing the growing insecurity across the country.
The spiritual exercise was led by the Yeye Olokun Agbaye and Olori of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom, Dr. Omolara Fashola-MacGregor, who described the procession as a sacred appeal to ancestral spirits and deities for protection over Yorubaland and Nigeria.
The traditional worshippers moved through notable shrines, including those at Olumo Rock, Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala and the shrine of the legendary Egba warrior, Sodeke, before concluding the exercise at the Itoku Shrine in Orita Aje, Abeokuta.
Speaking with journalists during the procession, Fashola-MacGregor said the initiative was motivated by concern for the safety of the abducted pupils, their teachers and other Nigerians currently in captivity.
“We are here to appeal to the deities of our forefathers and the spirits of our heroes to intervene in this troubling situation. Our prayers are focused on the safe return of those who have been abducted. We believe that when people unite in faith, sincerity and purpose, divine intervention is possible,” she said.
She stressed that the worsening security situation in many parts of the country requires collective action from government, security agencies, religious bodies and traditional institutions, noting that traditional rulers and custodians of culture remain critical stakeholders in promoting peace and social harmony.
“Our ancestors protected these lands and stood firmly for justice. We are invoking their blessings and protection at a time when many families are experiencing pain, fear and uncertainty,” she added.
During the prayers, special supplications were offered for President Bola Tinubu, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and other traditional rulers across Yorubaland, including the Olu of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom, Oba Alexander MacGregor.
The procession drew the attention of residents and traders who watched as participants chanted traditional songs of supplication and performed rituals at designated spiritual centres across the city. The women called on ancestral heroes and protective deities to intervene in Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly the plight of abducted citizens and their families.
They expressed optimism that their spiritual efforts would complement ongoing security operations and contribute to the safe return of the victims. The event ended with final prayers at the Itoku Shrine, where participants collectively sought peace, protection and an end to kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.