Oyo abduction: Women traditionalists go spiritual, storm shrines

Women traditional worshippers from across Egbaland, on Friday, stormed major streets and shrines in Abeokuta, Ogun State, seeking divine intervention for the safe release of the victims of the Oyo abduction.

Clad in white traditional worship attire and carrying various ritual paraphernalia, the women moved through prominent cultural and spiritual landmarks in Abeokuta, invoking ancestral spirits and deities to intervene in the worsening security situation.

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 and act of appeasement to revered deities and ancestral spirits for protection over Yorubaland and the nation at large.

They visited several revered shrines, including those at Olumo Rock, Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, and the shrine of the legendary Egba warrior, Sodeke, before concluding the procession at the Itoku shrine located at Orita Aje Junction in Abeokuta.

The worshippers, at each location, offered prayers and traditional rites in line with longstanding cultural practices.

Addressing newsmen during the spiritual exercise, Fashola-MacGregor said the initiative was borne out of deep concern for the safety of innocent schoolchildren, their teachers, and other Nigerians currently being held captive by kidnappers. 

“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.