Scores of female traditional worshippers from across Egbaland on Friday staged a spiritual procession through major streets and sacred sites in Abeokuta, Ogun State, praying for the safe release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Dressed in white traditional attire and carrying ritual objects, the women visited several revered cultural and spiritual locations, where they performed prayers and traditional rites aimed at securing divine intervention in the country’s growing security challenges.
The procession was led by the Yeye Olokun Agbaye and Olori of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom, Dr. Omolara Fashola-MacGregor, who described the exercise as a sacred mission to seek the assistance of ancestral spirits and deities for the protection of lives and the restoration of peace across Yorubaland and Nigeria.
During the spiritual exercise, participants moved through notable shrines and historical landmarks, including Olumo Rock, Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, and the shrine of the legendary Egba warrior, Sodeke. The procession concluded at the Itoku shrine located at Orita Aje Junction in Abeokuta.
At each location, prayers were offered and traditional rituals performed in accordance with longstanding Yoruba cultural practices. The women specifically sought divine intervention for the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, expressing hope that the victims would regain their freedom within seven days.
Speaking to journalists during the event, Fashola-MacGregor said the initiative was motivated by concern over the increasing number of innocent Nigerians being held captive by kidnappers.
“We have come together 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 the abducted schoolchildren, their teachers, and every Nigerian currently in captivity,” she said.
She noted that the worsening insecurity across many parts of the country requires a collective response involving government authorities, security agencies, religious bodies, traditional institutions and community leaders.
According to her, traditional institutions have a significant role to play in fostering peace, unity and social stability within society.
“Our ancestors defended these lands and upheld justice. We are seeking their blessings and protection at a time when many families are living in fear and uncertainty,” she added.
The traditional ruler also offered special prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, and other monarchs across Yorubaland, including her husband, the Olu of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom, Oba Alexander Olusegun MacGregor.
The procession attracted the attention of residents, traders and passersby, many of whom watched as the women chanted traditional songs and carried out rituals at designated spiritual centres throughout the city.
Participants called on ancestral heroes, protective deities and custodians of the land to assist in addressing the country’s security challenges, particularly the growing menace of kidnapping and violent crimes.
They expressed confidence that their spiritual efforts would complement ongoing security operations and contribute to the safe return of abducted persons.
The event ended with final prayers at the Itoku shrine, where participants collectively sought peace, protection and an end to the wave of kidnappings and insecurity affecting communities across the country.
Beyond the immediate concern for the abducted schoolchildren and teachers, the procession also served as a broader appeal for national unity and renewed commitment by all stakeholders to tackle the security challenges threatening lives and livelihoods in Nigeria.
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