Worried by the constant cases of kidnapping, cult-related killings, internet scams, among others crimes in Owa kingdom, the hometown of governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, the community last Saturday embarked on spiritual cleansing.
The traditionalists from Owa Kingdom in the Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state dressed in red and white attire rained curses on the people perpetrating evil in the land.
Sources in the community told our correspondent that the spiritual exercise was directed by the Obi of Owa kingdom, Obi Emmanuel Efeizomor II, to end the worsening cult-related clashes, kidnappings, robberies and ritual killings which led to the needless deaths in the past.
In recent times, activities of the evil doers had become alarming in the kingdom; a situation the kingdom noted would worsen if nothing was done to curtail it.
The exercise done during the day at major junctions was said to have hindered vehicular movements as residents struggled to catch a glimpse of the ritual.
The event which was unprecedented in the state immediately sparked up reactions from the residents. Many people saw it as archaic and evil, while others said it was necessary to check the festering evil deeds in the land.
Giving details of the spiritual cleansing, the traditional ruler of Owa kingdom, Obi Efeizomor, told Sunday PUNCH that the exercise became necessary because of the security agencies’ failure to protect the kingdom.
The monarch who spoke through the palace spokesman, Victor Efeizemor, said the situation made the kingdom return to the ancient means of protecting lives and property in the kingdom.
He said, “It is true that the Obi of Owa Kingdom, Dr E.O Efeizomor II, and immediate past Chairman Delta State Traditional Ruler Council, who is also the spiritual head of Owa kingdom, directed that some traditional means should be taken to stem the tide of insecurity in the kingdom in Ika LGA.
