The Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has issued a strong condemnation of the rising trend of ritual killings in Nigeria, particularly among the youth. In a statement released through his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the traditional ruler has urged both federal and state governments to take swift and decisive actions to combat this grave issue.
Oba Akanbi expressed deep concern over the alarming rate at which innocent lives are being lost in the quest for quick wealth through harmful rituals. He denounced the dishonorable pursuit of money that has led to such tragic consequences and called on traditional rulers nationwide to unite in a concerted effort to address the practice.
Key Points of the Ruler’s Statement:
- Call for Strict Penalties: Oba Akanbi urged the government to impose severe penalties, including capital punishment, on those found guilty of ritual killings. He proposed the establishment of a specialized government agency dedicated to investigating and preventing ritual killings.
- Comparison to Anti-Corruption Agencies: The traditional ruler suggested that just as the EFCC and ICPC were created to tackle corruption in official settings, a similar institution should be established to address corruption within the traditional system, particularly related to money rituals and cultism.
- Urgency of Action: He painted a grim picture of the rampant ritual killings, citing numerous reports from newspapers and social media. He stressed the need for immediate and severe measures to deter potential offenders, emphasizing that capital punishment could help reset the mindset of those engaged in these heinous acts.
- Regulation of Secret Societies: Oba Akanbi highlighted the role of secret societies in promoting cultism and facilitating ritual killings among the youth. He called on the government to investigate and regulate these societies, which he believes are at the heart of the problem.
- Commitment to Eradication: The Oluwo of Iwo expressed his dedication to eradicating ritual killings and other harmful practices in Yorubaland. He described these killings as a major obstacle to the region’s progress and reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the issue.
- Advice to Youth: Oba Akanbi urged the youth to pursue legitimate means of financial success and to reject the dangerous allure of quick wealth through harmful rituals. He emphasized the importance of building a sustainable future through honest and ethical means.
“The youth should wake up. Your financial freedom depends on honorable means of survival. There is no shortcut to success without repercussions. If you need to enjoy, then it has to be legitimate,” he stated.
The traditional ruler’s call for action reflects his commitment to fighting against ritual killings and promoting ethical behavior among the youth.