Scores of female traditional worshippers from Egbaland on Friday embarked on a spiritual procession across major shrines and cultural landmarks in Abeokuta, Ogun State, seeking divine intervention for the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The worshippers, clad in white traditional attire and carrying ritual objects, moved through key spiritual sites, invoking ancestral spirits and deities to intervene in the worsening security situation and ensure the safe return of the victims within seven days.
The spiritual exercise was led by Dr. Omolara Fashola-MacGregor, the Yeye Olokun Agbaye and Olori of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom, who described the procession as a sacred mission to seek protection for Yorubaland and Nigeria.
As part of the exercise, the women visited revered shrines and monuments, including Olumo Rock, the Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala shrine and the shrine of the legendary Egba warrior, Sodeke, before concluding the procession at the Itoku shrine in Abeokuta.
Prayers were offered and traditional rites performed at each location in line with longstanding cultural practices aimed at seeking divine intervention in times of crisis.
Speaking with journalists during the procession, Fashola-MacGregor said the initiative was prompted by growing concerns over the safety of innocent schoolchildren, teachers and other Nigerians currently in captivity.
“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 expressed optimism that the spiritual exercise would not only hasten the release of the victims but also provide comfort to their families during the difficult period.
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