By Gbenga Ojikutu
Traditional worshippers in Ondo State in south-west Nigeria have demanded recognition for traditional oath-taking for public officers, saying it is more potent and efficacious compared to other faith-related oath-taking.
They contended that over the years, public office holders, after they were sworn into office with the Bible for Christians and Quran for Muslims, indulged in corruption and abuse of power and still go scot-free.
The Araba Awo of Oke Agbe, Ayobami Ogedengbe, suggested this at the celebration of Isese Day in Akure on Tuesday, explaining that traditional oath-taking would change the narrative as punishment would be immediate and fast.
To restore sanity and decency to public offices, Ogedengbe insisted, government should allow traditional oath-taking, adding that in Yorubaland, everyone understands the potency and consequences of violating such oaths.
According to him: “The current system in Nigeria has loopholes that compromise integrity. Our people know that the gods uphold integrity, and no Yoruba person would dare violate an oath taken before the gods.
“This will restore order in our system because an average African, especially a Yoruba person, fears the repercussions of swearing by Ogun (the god of thunder) or other traditional deities.
“They wouldn’t dare swear to something they don’t believe in. Swearing through traditional means adds to the potency of African traditional religion and its practices.”
Speaking on the occasion, the Araba Isese of Ondo State, Araba Folorunsho Adetunji, urged the Ondo government to declare August 20 a public holiday to celebrate the Isese festival.
“Isese Day is a celebration of our origins, showcasing the deeds of our ancestors, and encompassing our culture and customs,” Adetunji explained.
