Eko Hot Blog reports that the Egba Traditional Council has taken disciplinary action against Oba Kolawole Sowemino, the Olu of Owode-Egba, following an incident of Naira abuse at a public function.
The monarch, who was captured in a viral video adorning musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as K1, with knitted N1000 notes, has been suspended in response to his actions.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) had previously cautioned Oba Sowemino, emphasizing that such conduct contravened Section 21 (3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007, as amended.
The section explicitly deems the “spraying of, dancing or marching on the Naira or any note issued by the bank during social occasions or otherwise” as an abuse and defacement of the currency, punishable by law.
Despite an apology from the monarch, who attributed the act to being carried away while celebrating his wife, the Egba Traditional Council decided to impose sanctions during its February statutory meeting chaired by the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.
The council, acting on the recommendation of its Ethical Committee, declared that Oba Sowemino should not be invited or seen at any government or public function.
Additionally, he will not receive his salary for two months as part of the suspension.
Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola, the Chairman of the three-member Ethical Committee and Olowu of Owu, announced the decision, highlighting the breach of the CBN Act and the Yoruba traditional institution.
He referenced a prior case where a citizen faced legal consequences for similar actions, underscoring the severity of such offenses.
In his apology, Oba Sowemino expressed regret and acknowledged the mistake, stating, “I’m not happy with the way people are talking about me on social media. I was just carried away with the celebration of my wife. For 13 years, I’ve never done any party, so I was so excited that I wanted to kill off the party. But I’m really sorry.”
The suspension serves as a stern reminder of the importance of upholding the integrity of the national currency and respecting established laws and cultural norms.
The Egba Traditional Council’s decision reflects its commitment to maintaining the dignity and sanctity of both the Naira and traditional institutions.
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