- He noted that many Nigerians, particularly Yorubas, understand the severe consequences of breaking such oaths
Traditional worshippers in Ondo State have called on the government to introduce traditional oath-taking for political officeholders, arguing that it could help curb corruption and abuse of power.
During the Isese Day celebration in Akure on Tuesday, the Araba Awo of Oke Agbe, Ayobami Ogedengbe, suggested that the adoption of traditional oaths would bring integrity back to governance.
He noted that many Nigerians, particularly Yorubas, understand the severe consequences of breaking such oaths.
Ogedengbe stated, “The current system 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.”
He emphasized that traditional oaths, invoking deities like Ogun (the god of thunder), would instill fear and accountability in leaders, unlike the existing practice of using the Bible or Quran, which has failed to curb misconduct.
In his remarks, Araba Isese of Ondo State, Araba Folorunsho Adetunji, urged the state government to declare August 20th a public holiday to celebrate Isese Day, as done in other southwestern states. He emphasized that the holiday would allow traditionalists to gather, connect with their creator, and pray for the prosperity of Nigeria and Ondo State.
Adetunji also called for equal recognition and respect for traditional worshippers, stressing their important role in the state’s development.