Ogun traditionalists: Use of human parts for rituals not our practice

The Ogun Alternate Medicine Board says the use of human body parts for money rituals is not part of its value system. 

Balogun Olaleye, chairman of the board, said this on Friday at a strategic meeting with members of staff and stakeholders in Abeokuta, the Ogun capital.

Olaleye decried the growing rate of ritual killings, kidnapping and cultism in the country, saying the situation should be nipped in the bud to ensure peace in the society.

“I am saying that the use of human beings or human parts for ritual is not in our value system and we will not accept such,” he said. 

“The board is strategic in curtailing the evil acts and we are deploying all means to track down the unscrupulous traditionalists whom the people believe are the ones rendering the evil services.”

The board chairman said the traditionalists will set up a task force to fish out uncertified traditionalists rendering “evil services” to perpetrators of criminal activities.

According to him, some of the measures to end the menace include re-orientation of alternate medicine practitioners, traditionalists and herbalists as well as strengthening the synergy with security agencies on enforcement.

He said findings had shown that the heinous acts were perpetrated mostly by youths due to moral decadence in society and the “get rich quick syndrome”.

He said the board would ensure that certified practitioners in the state abide by its operational rules and guidelines, and urged members of the public to support the board in its determination to get rid of quacks.

Olaleye, however, urged residents to inform security agencies of any strange movement or suspected persons in their communities.

On his part, Ajisope Aroyewun, a member of the board, said 70 percent of culprits arrested and interrogated by the police had no connection with certified herbalists or traditionalists.

Meanwhile, recent findings by TheCable had revealed that persons claiming to be traditionalists also tips on money rituals on social media platforms.