By Our Correspondent
Concerned over the prolonged captivity of schoolchildren and their teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinele in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, female traditional worshippers from different parts of Egbaland on Friday embarked on a spiritual procession through major streets of Abeokuta, Ogun State, calling for the safe release of the victims.
The worshippers, dressed in white traditional regalia and carrying cultural objects associated with their spiritual practices, visited several sacred locations across the Ogun State capital to offer prayers and perform traditional rites aimed at seeking divine intervention.
The procession, led by the Yeye Olokun Agbaye and Olori of Ilawo Kingdom, Her Royal Majesty Omolara Fashola-MacGregor, was described as a spiritual appeal to ancestral forces and deities for protection, peace, and the restoration of security across Yorubaland.
The group visited notable traditional worship centres, including the sacred sites around Olumo Rock, the shrine of Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, and the memorial shrine of Sodeke, the legendary Egba warrior. The spiritual journey later ended at the Itoku shrines near Orita Aje Junction in Itoku Market, where further prayers and traditional observances were conducted.
The worshippers appealed to ancestral heroes, protective spirits, and traditional deities to intervene in the growing security challenges facing the country, particularly the plight of abducted citizens and families currently living in distress.
Speaking during the procession, Yeye Olokun Agbaye, HRM Fashola-MacGregor, said the exercise was aimed at seeking spiritual support for the victims and their families.
She said: “We are here to call upon the spirits of our ancestors and the deities of our land to intervene in this painful situation. Our major prayer is for the safe return of the abducted children, their teachers, and all other victims of insecurity across Nigeria.
“We believe that collective prayers, sincerity of purpose, and unity among the people can attract divine intervention.”
She expressed concern over the rising wave of insecurity in various communities, stressing that addressing the challenge required cooperation among government authorities, security agencies, religious bodies, traditional institutions, and citizens.
While offering prayers, the traditional leader mentioned President Bola Tinubu, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, her husband, the Olu of Ilawo Kingdom, Oba Alexander Olusegun MacGregor, and other traditional rulers across Yorubaland.
She emphasised that traditional institutions remained important partners in promoting peace, unity, and communal stability.
“Our ancestors stood for justice and protected these lands. At a time when families are going through pain and uncertainty, we are seeking their blessings, guidance, and protection,” she added.
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