The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has summoned an emergency meeting of traditional priests, priestesses, and native doctors to the Royal Palace on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, as part of efforts to address the worsening security situation in Edo State.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by Chief Victor Nosakhare on behalf of the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor.
According to the statement, the meeting is aimed at exploring traditional approaches that could complement government efforts in tackling insecurity, particularly incidents of kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The palace emphasized the need for all invited traditional religious leaders and practitioners to attend the crucial gathering.
In a related development, the Benin Monarch has also scheduled another emergency meeting with youth leaders (Okaighele) from communities across the seven local government areas of the Benin Kingdom.
The meeting is slated for Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Palace of the Oba of Benin and is expected to focus on the role of youths in enhancing security and maintaining peace within their respective communities.
The emergency consultations underscore the palace’s commitment to supporting ongoing efforts aimed at restoring safety and stability across Edo State.Note: The year in your draft states “Tuesday 23rd June 2023,” but the date should likely be Tuesday, June 23, 2026 to align with the meeting schedule provided.