Oluwo declares war on ritualists

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi has said that he will wage war against ritual killings in the land stating that he will take command of the ritualists' dugout that was recently discovered in Iwo.

In a statement made available to journalists, Oba Akanbi condemned the ritual killings stating that no man of conscience would kill fellow human beings for monetary gain.

The monarch expressed shock that some elements in his domain engaged in ritual killings despite the regular campaigns against the ills. It described the perpetrators as “bastards” and urged security agencies to conduct full investigation into the development, according to The Punch.

The statement partly read, “As an ardent campaigner against ritual killings, I condemn in totality the recently discovered ritual den in Iyemoja, Iwo. It is an act against humanity. Ritual killings is a silent war in Nigeria claiming innocent lives every day.

“The perpetrators should be made to face the full wrath of law. Iwo is known for morality and respect for human lives. Anyone caught dealing in human parts should be treated as criminal and bastard.

“I have commenced process to confiscate the den discovered in Iwo. I will approach a competent court of law to give permit to confiscate land/house and surrounding houses of ritual killers. A powerful security committee will be set up as liaison between the town and the security to give tip-off on suspicious ritual murdering. Doing so will serve as deterrent to others and chase ritualists dealing in human parts away from Iwo.”

Meanwhile, Oba Akanbi has reiterated the need to foster unity and peace among traditional rulers in Yorubaland for desired progress to be brought to bear within the Yoruba nation.

He urged kings to conduct themselves with reference in order to earn trust from both God and man.

“The unity of Yoruba tradition institution is the beginning of cohesion in entire Yorubaland. No other union, body or organisation has the influence to take collective stand on issues affecting the land than a united traditional council,” he stated.