Scores of women traditional worshippers from across Egbaland on Friday embarked on a spiritual procession in Abeokuta, Ogun State, calling for the divine release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Spiritual Procession Through Abeokuta
The women, dressed in white traditional attire and carrying ritual objects, moved through major streets and sacred cultural sites in the ancient city, offering prayers and performing traditional rites aimed at securing the safe return of the victims. The procession, led by the Yeye Olokun Agbaye and Olori of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom, Dr. Omolara Fashola-MacGregor, was described as a spiritual appeal to ancestral spirits and deities to intervene in the worsening security situation and ensure the release of the abductees within seven days.
Visits to Sacred Sites
The worshippers visited several revered sites, including Olumo Rock, the Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala shrine, and the shrine of Egba warrior Sodeke, before concluding the exercise at the Itoku shrine at Orita Aje Junction in Abeokuta. At each location, participants offered prayers and performed rites in accordance with traditional practices, chanting supplications for peace and protection across Yorubaland and Nigeria.
Appeal to Deities
Speaking during the procession, Fashola-MacGregor said the initiative was driven by concern over the continued captivity of innocent schoolchildren, their teachers, and other Nigerians held 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 also called for coordinated efforts among government authorities, security agencies, religious bodies, and traditional institutions to address the rising insecurity across communities. According to her, traditional institutions remain key stakeholders in promoting peace, unity, and social stability, adding that ancestral invocation reflects deep cultural responsibility in times of crisis. “Our ancestors protected these lands and stood firmly for justice. We are invoking their blessings and protection at a time when many families are experiencing pain, fear and uncertainty,” she added.
Prayers for Leaders
During the procession, prayers were also offered for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, as well as other Yoruba monarchs, including her husband, the Olu of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom, Oba Alexander Olusegun MacGregor.
Community Support
Residents and traders in Abeokuta watched as the women moved through the city, singing traditional songs and performing rituals at designated spiritual centres. The worshippers said their spiritual intervention was intended to complement ongoing security operations and contribute to efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims. The procession ended at the Itoku shrine, where participants offered final prayers for peace, protection, and an end to kidnapping and violent crimes across the country. They also called for greater unity among communities and renewed commitment from stakeholders to confront insecurity and restore stability nationwide.
