Osun

Video: Oluwo Challenges Elebuibon, Clerics, Monarchs To Rescue Abducted Oyo Teachers, Pupils

ByOlamilekan Adigun

PublishedJune 17, 2026

You Are A ‘Confusionist’ Who Does Not Know Traditional Roles In Yorubaland – TRAWSO Replies Monarch

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has challenged traditionalists and religious leaders to rescue teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, who are currently trapped inside the forest in Ogbomoso.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that scores of teachers and students were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L. A Primary School, Esiele, in the local government, on May 15.

In a video posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, the monarch said traditionalists who claim spiritual powers should prove it by confronting the bandits holding the children.

He specifically mentioned a renowned cultural promoter and diviner, and Araba Awo of Osogbo, Chief Yemi Elebuibon, offering to sponsor the rituals if money was the barrier.

“This is the time for all herbalists who claim to have power to come forward and rescue our children,” Oba Akanbi said.

Oluwo Asks Yoruba Muslim, Christian Clerics, Ifa Priests To Checkmate Kidnapping, Rescue Abducted Schoolchildren, Teachers pic.twitter.com/rdG2ZinTZU

— Osun Defender (@OsunDefender) June 17, 2026

“These schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted by suspected bandits in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo state on May 15. If you don’t have the money to make the rituals, I will sponsor you,” he added.

Oluwo accused traditionalists of only threatening Yoruba people while staying silent during security crises.

He said their absence in the face of the May 15 abductions showed a lack of love for Yorubaland and raised questions about their claims.

“If you can’t do that, it means you don’t love Yorubaland, and it shows that you are lying to the people and only doing business,” he stated.

The monarch urged Ifayemi Elebuibon, other traditionalists, and monarchs who claim to have charms to lead a war into the forest and bring back the abducted teachers and students.

Oba Akanbi extended the same challenge to Islamic clerics and pastors, saying anyone with spiritual power should act without waiting for the government.

“If you can’t rescue the children and you come out to say you have potent charms, we will know that you are just lying,” he added.

Reacting, the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association in Osun State, TRAWSO, faulted the Oluwo’s challenge, noting that the monarch’s statement showed confusion about traditional roles in Yorubaland.

TRAWSO President, Dr Oluseyi Atanda, while speaking with a journalist, challenged Oluwo to also go and rescue the victims by calling on Almighty God, whom he believes in.

Dr Atanda said, “Oluwo also claimed to be powerful and served the Almighty God, so as a leader in Yorubaland, he should be able to call on God and go there to rescue the abducted people.”

“We are law-abiding people. There is a difference between herbalists and warlords. Even in years past, herbalists didn’t go to war.”

He added: “It seems the Oluwo is confused or not grounded in the roles of people in Yorubaland, or he has deliberately decided to set up confusion and controversies.”

Olamilekan Adigun

Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.