Scores of women traditional worshippers in Abeokuta embarked on a spiritual procession across sacred sites, seeking divine intervention for the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
Concerned by the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, scores of women traditional worshippers from across Egbaland on Friday embarked on a spiritual procession through major streets and sacred sites in Abeokuta, Ogun State, seeking divine intervention for the safe release of the victims. Clad in white traditional worship attire and carrying ritual paraphernalia, the women moved through prominent cultural and spiritual landmarks, invoking ancestral spirits and deities to intervene in the worsening security situation and facilitate the release of the captives within seven days. 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.
The traditional worshippers 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. At each location, prayers were offered and traditional rites performed in line with longstanding cultural practices. The procession drew attention from residents and passersby as participants called for divine intervention to address the growing insecurity affecting communities across the country.
Speaking with journalists during the 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,” she said. “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 added that the alarming rise in insecurity demands collective action involving government, security agencies, religious organisations and traditional institutions, stressing that traditional institutions remain critical stakeholders in promoting peace, social harmony and communal well-being.
READ THE FULL STORY IN VANGUARD
NEWS NOW:
