Traditional religion practitioners have appealed to the federal government to include them in the formulation of national policies, dialogue processes, and other key decisions affecting the country.

The call was made by the President of the International Council for Ifá Religion (ICIR), Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, during the World Ifá Festival 2026 held in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

In a statement issued by ICIR Public Relations Officer, Awoyemi Ifajemisin Ayanladun, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, Oyo State, Fakayode said the inclusion of indigenous faith practitioners would promote social inclusion, peace, and national unity.

He argued that involving traditional religion stakeholders in governance and development discussions would contribute to more sustainable national progress.

Speaking at the festival while delivering the message of the Ifá of the year, Òsá Méjì, at the palace of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Fakayode expressed concern over rising insecurity in the country.

He highlighted increasing cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, ritual killings, terrorism, and banditry as major challenges affecting citizens across Nigeria.

He described the situation as deeply troubling and called for urgent collective efforts to address the crisis, including the participation of indigenous faith communities.

“We express deep concern over the alarming rate of kidnappings and banditry across the country. The persistent insecurity remains a source of pain and concern to adherents of indigenous faith,” he said, adding that the lives lost to violent crime must not be in vain.

He therefore urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recognise and involve traditional religion practitioners in peace-building and national development initiatives.

“We appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to recognise and harness the contributions of indigenous faith communities in nation-building and peace initiatives,” he added.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who is also Chairman of the Council of Nigerian Traditional Rulers, addressed participants at the festival and encouraged Ifá practitioners from around the world to continue supporting efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in Nigeria.

He urged them to remain engaged in national issues, noting the historical role of Orunmila in promoting unity and harmony among humanity.

The monarch acknowledged the difficult times facing the country but expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its challenges through unity, commitment, and collective action.