Women traditional worshippers from Egbaland on Friday staged a spiritual procession across Abeokuta, Ogun State, to pray for schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State.
The women wore white traditional attire and carried ritual items. They moved through major streets and sacred sites in the city. Their goal was to seek divine intervention for the safe release of the victims within seven days.
The procession was led by Dr. Omolara Fashola-MacGregor. She is the Yeye Olokun Agbaye and Olori of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom. She described the walk as a sacred appeal to ancestral spirits and deities for protection over Yorubaland and Nigeria.
The worshippers visited key shrines during the exercise. Their stops included Olumo Rock, Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala shrine, and the shrine of Egba warrior Sodeke. They ended the walk at the Itoku shrine at Orita Aje Junction in Abeokuta.
At each shrine, the women offered prayers and performed traditional rites. These were done according to long-standing cultural practices.
Fashola-MacGregor spoke with journalists during the procession. She said the action came from deep concern for the safety of the abducted children, teachers, and other Nigerians in captivity.
“We are here to appeal to the deities of our forefathers and the spirits of our heroes to intervene,” she said. “Our prayers are focused on the safe return of those abducted.”
She added that faith and unity can bring results. “We believe that when people unite in faith, sincerity and purpose, divine intervention is possible,” she stated.
The monarch said rising insecurity demands action from everyone. She listed government, security agencies, religious groups, and traditional institutions as key players.
“Our ancestors protected these lands and stood for justice,” she said. “We are invoking their blessings at a time when many families face pain and fear.”
During the prayers, Fashola-MacGregor also prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo. She prayed for other Yoruba monarchs, including her husband, Oba Alexander Olusegun MacGregor, the Olu of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom.
Residents and traders watched as the women chanted supplication songs and performed rituals at different spiritual centers.
The group said their prayers would support security agencies’ efforts. They expressed hope that the victims would return home safely soon.
The event ended with final prayers at the Itoku shrine. The women asked for peace and an end to kidnapping and violent crimes across Nigeria.
The walk was also a call for unity. The worshippers urged all communities and stakeholders to work together against insecurity threatening lives and livelihoods.
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