By Balarabe Oshiafi
The recently reinstated Traditional Ruler of South Ibie Kingdom in Etsako-West local government area (LGA) of Edo State, Alhaji Aliyu Danesi has charged fellow custodians of culture across the state on the need to meticulously support the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo in his avowal to subjugate cultism, crime and criminality.
The charismatic attorney-at-law turned traditional ruler in a message of appreciation for his reinstatement said acts of cultism, internet fraud, kidnapping and the like are “devious, unislamic, and destructive” to societal progress.
Drawing a nexus between cultism and criminality in an official report, Oba Danesi denounced internet fraud (“yahoo-yahoo”) and cultism as moral and security threats, urging perpetrators, their enablers, and prideful cultists to abandon the vices or “face the wrath of Allah.” He emphasized that Islam and traditional values reject such crimes, stating, “These acts undermine development and stain the honor of our communities.”
The monarch expressed full support for Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration and its crackdown on cult-related violence and cybercrime, calling it critical to Edo State’s growth. “I stand with the government’s zero-tolerance stance. We must rid our state of these evils to unlock peace and progress,” he declared.
Oba Danesi tasked palace chiefs, village heads, and stakeholders with spearheading grassroots reorientation campaigns. “Teach our youth hard work, integrity, faith and other virtues. Parents who condone fraud shame their families and our future,” he urged, advocating for collaborative efforts to steer young people toward lawful enterprises.
The elated Monarch thanked Almighty Allah and Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s administration for restoring his throne, vowing to “work tirelessly” to advance state policies. “Together, we will make Edo great again,” he pledged, highlighting his commitment to governance that prioritizes security and youth empowerment.
The address underscores rising concerns over cybercrime and cult violence in Edo’s rural and urban areas. Oba Danesi’s stance amplifies calls for traditional institutions to partner with government in combating social vices destabilizing the region.
ExpressDay Newspaper’s findings reveal that the people of South Ibie Kingdom are very happy over the reinstatement of Alhaji Danesi as their bonafide Monarch and thanked the Governor for upholding the truism that the throne was not vacant in the first place.
