By Aaior K. Comfort

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has called on both federal and state governments to take decisive action against the growing menace of ritual killings and occult practices in Nigeria. Expressing deep concern over the increasing incidents, Oba Akanbi suggested that the possession of human parts should carry the death penalty to serve as a deterrent.

In a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibrahim, and released in Osogbo on Wednesday, the monarch highlighted the urgent need to address the rising cases of money rituals and killings, particularly among the youth. He proposed the establishment of a specialized government agency focused on preventing the use of human parts for rituals, drawing parallels to existing institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) that tackle corruption.

“The government constituted both EFCC and ICPC to check corruption 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 statement read.

Oba Akanbi also criticized the role of certain traditional rulers and elders in promoting secret societies, which he believes contribute to the spread of cultism and ritual killings among the youth. He stressed that addressing the activities of these secret cult groups is a critical step in curbing the practice of ritual killings.

The monarch described ritual killings as a significant impediment to the progress of the Yoruba race and reiterated his commitment to eradicating these archaic practices within his jurisdiction.

The call by the Oluwo comes amid growing public outcry over the prevalence of ritual killings in various parts of the country, with many citizens urging the government to take more robust measures to tackle the issue.