Traditional Worshippers Demand Oath-Taking Rituals for Public Officials to Combat Corruption

Traditional worshippers in Ondo State, southwestern Nigeria, are calling for recognition of traditional oath-taking for public officials, asserting that it is more effective than religious oaths.

They argue that despite swearing on the Bible or Quran, many officials still engage in corruption and abuse of power without consequence.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that at the Isese Day celebration in Akure, Ayobami Ogedengbe, the Araba Awo of Oke Agbe, proposed that traditional oaths be incorporated to ensure immediate and severe punishment for wrongdoing.

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He stressed that traditional oaths are respected in Yorubaland for their efficacy and the serious consequences of violating them.

 

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.”

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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.

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