Following President Bola Tinubu’s assertion that Nigeria is on a path of progress during his Independence Day speech, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo, has expressed his concerns regarding the state of insecurity in the country, particularly focusing on ritual killings.
In a statement released to Vanguard, the monarch emphasized that Nigeria cannot claim to be fully independent until it addresses the alarming prevalence of ritual killings. He argued that the government must work to free the nation from the mindset that leads to such heinous acts, which he believes endanger the safety and well-being of citizens.
“As we celebrate Independence Day, I especially sympathize with the victims and families of ritual murders. The rampancy of ritual killings is worrisome. We are not yet independent until Nigerians are free from the poverty of mind involving the killing of innocent souls for rituals,” he stated.
The Oluwo highlighted the serious consequences of these acts, noting that “the blood in the land is hunting and hurting.” He acknowledged the government’s efforts to combat this issue but criticized the challenges posed by those who perpetrate these crimes. He urged for stronger legislative measures to effectively address ritual killings, calling for the enactment of laws that would help mitigate this violence.
“Until the needful is done, I can’t proudly say we are independent,” Oba Akanbi concluded, underscoring the urgency of the situation and the need for collective action to restore peace and safety in Nigeria.