The Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has strongly condemned  the rising trend of ritual killings in Nigeria, particularly among the youth. In a statement released through his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the monarch urged both the federal and state governments to take swift and decisive actions to address the issue.

The traditional ruler expressed deep concern over the alarming rate at which innocent lives are lost in pursuit of quick wealth through harmful rituals. He condemned the dishonorable quest for money that has led to such tragic consequences and called on traditional rulers across the nation to unite in a concerted effort to combat the practice.

Oluwo urged the government to enact strict penalties, including capital punishment, for those found guilty of ritual killings. To effectively address the issue, he also proposed the establishment of a specialized government agency, tasked with investigating and preventing ritual killings.

“The government constituted both EFCC and ICPC to check corruptions in official settings. A similar institution should also be constituted to checkmate and address corruption in the traditional system such as money rituals and cultism”

The Oluwo of Iwo painted a grim picture of the rampant ritual killings occurring in Nigeria, citing numerous reports in newspapers and social media. He stressed the urgency of the situation and called for swift and severe measures to deter potential offenders.

“The alarming rate of killing innocent souls for money rituals call for immediate curb. I read it daily on the pages of newspaper and social media. That is for those that got reported. The pandemic has to be fought with capital punishment. Anyone found with human parts should be sent to the gallow. Such a strict penalty will reset the mindset of the wicked ones”

The traditional leader also drew attention to the role of secret societies in promoting cultism and facilitating ritual killings among the youth. He urged the government to investigate and regulate these secret societies, which he believed were at the heart of the problem.

“I beseech the federal government to enact capital punishment for anyone culpable of ritual Killings. They should extend their interest to the activities of secret societies which are the root causes of such heinous acts”

“Most of the old systems are not working again except we want to be getting the same results. We need a more productive approach devoid of cultural infractions to get us on the right track…”.

He further described ritual killings as a major obstacle to the progress of Yorubaland, emphasizing his commitment to eradicating such barbaric practices.

“As a father to the nation, I have dedicated my throne to the eradication of ritual killings and other harmful practices in Yorubaland.” he stated.

Furthermore, he urged the youths 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 an honourable means of survival. There is no shortcut to success without repercussions. If you need to enjoy, then it has to be legitimate”.