The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, has placed a curse on cultists and their sponsors in response to the recent spate of cult-related violence in the area.

Stakeholders in Owo have blamed politicians for enabling youths involved in the attacks, which resulted in several deaths.

Among the victims were Fisayo Oladipo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the wife and child of prominent Muslim cleric, Alhaji Abdulkareem Adedokun.

Oba Ogunoye, accompanied by his Chiefs, the Ughare and Ugbama Iloro aboriginals, and various traditional and spiritual groups, performed the ceremony at Ogwata Square.

Ancient deities were brought out to both curse the perpetrators and bless the kingdom.

The Police Area Commander in Owo, Mr. Adenike Peter, speaking at the Owo Youths Forum, urged politicians and influential individuals to refrain from interfering with police procedures when cultism suspects are arrested.

He cited political pressure for the release of suspected cultists as a major obstacle to curbing the menace.

“Parents should checkmate their children and even report them to police for action if found culpable in criminal tendencies.

“ Members of public should also give us useful information because we are not ghost. We will work on information given to us. These people live in our midst,” he said.

Coordinator of the forum, Comrade Damilare Aina, said idle youths exploited by politicians for their political gains were mostly abandoned.

Aina said the forum was to address challenges so that peace would be restored to Owo.

Ondo Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami, urged members of public to offer information to security agencies to help address the situation and restore peace to the community.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Kola Falohun, Adelami said the recent cult killings could bring the community into disrepute.

He identified joblessness as a flash point for grievances.