RismadarVoice Reporters, June, 2026
Concerned by the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, a group of women traditional worshippers from across Egbaland on Friday embarked on a spiritual procession through major cultural and sacred sites in Abeokuta, Ogun State, praying for the victims’ safe return.
Dressed in white traditional attire and carrying ritual objects, the women moved through several prominent locations in the city, offering prayers and performing rites aimed at invoking divine intervention in the growing security challenges confronting the country.
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 appeal to ancestral spirits and revered deities for protection over Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.
As part of the exercise, the traditional worshippers visited notable cultural landmarks and shrines, 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 stop, prayers were offered and traditional rites conducted in accordance with long-established cultural practices.
Addressing journalists during the event, Fashola-MacGregor said the initiative was driven by concern for the safety of the abducted pupils, teachers and other Nigerians currently being held by kidnappers.
“We are appealing to the deities of our forefathers and the spirits of our heroes to intervene in this difficult situation,” she said.
“Our prayers are centred on the safe release of those in captivity. We believe that sincere and united prayers can attract divine intervention.”
She expressed optimism that the victims would regain their freedom soon and urged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the security challenges facing the country.
Fashola-MacGregor noted that the worsening insecurity across several parts of the country requires a collective response involving government, security agencies, religious groups and traditional institutions.
According to her, traditional institutions have a significant role to play in promoting peace, justice and communal harmony.
“Our ancestors defended these lands and upheld justice. At a time when many families are living in fear and uncertainty, we are seeking their blessings and protection,” she said.
She stressed the need for all stakeholders to work together in addressing insecurity and restoring confidence among citizens.
During the spiritual exercise, special prayers were also offered for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and several traditional rulers across Yorubaland.
Among those mentioned were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; and the Olu of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom, Oba Alexander Olusegun MacGregor.
Participants prayed for wisdom, peace and divine guidance for leaders at all levels as they confront the country’s security and socio-economic challenges.
The event drew the attention of residents, traders and passersby who watched as the women chanted traditional songs and performed rituals at designated spiritual centres across the city.
The traditional worshippers called on ancestral heroes and custodians of the land to intervene in the nation’s security challenges, particularly the plight of abducted citizens and their families.
They expressed hope that their spiritual efforts would complement ongoing security operations and contribute to the safe release of the kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers.
The procession 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.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the event also served as a call for unity, urging communities, leaders and institutions to work together in tackling the insecurity threatening lives and livelihoods nationwide.
