‘Why political office holders should take oaths of office with traditional deities’
By John Dike
The only solution for politicians and political leaders to avoid all forms of corruption while in office is to subject them to oaths taken with traditional deities.
This approach could effectively address corruption and corrupt practices among political office holders.
The Lowa Adimula of Ile-Ife, His Royal Majesty High Chief Abraham Adekola Adeyeye, stated while speaking with newsmen at his traditional home in Ile-Ife, Osun State, that using deities to administer oaths of office to political office holders and those in high places of authority would significantly reduce the theft of public funds and help tackle corruption.
Adimula emphasized that politicians, especially those in high positions of authority, should be accountable to the people who elected them.
He argued that they must be compelled to take oaths using “Sango” and other traditional deities.
The monarch, who called for an urgent constitutional review, disclosed that Nigeria needs a constitution that allows the use of traditional deities like Sango, in place of the Bible and Koran, for oaths during the swearing-in of political leaders, including presidents, governors, and members of national and state assemblies.
He pointed out that politicians are not afraid of the Bible or Koran, which they use to take oaths, because they believe there are no immediate consequences for their actions.
However, if they were required to use traditional deities for their oaths, knowing that these deities could impose instant judgment, they would be more likely to act with integrity and be accountable to those they serve.
According to High Chief Adeyeye, the current suffering of Nigerians is largely due to corruption among those elected to serve them.
He stressed that it is high time to rewrite the 1999 Constitution, which he believes contains numerous lapses that need correction.
His words: “I am using this medium to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the federal government to review the current constitution, as there are many gaps that need to be addressed.
The present constitution does not adequately recognize or respect traditional institutions. How can a traditional ruler be answerable to a local government chairman who should be his subject?
How can a traditional ruler be removed by a council chairman? This is a complete aberration that must be corrected in a new constitution.
Traditional rulers are custodians of the customs and traditions of the people and should be well-recognized in all aspects.”
“I am appealing to President Tinubu to kindly examine the role of traditional institutions in Nigeria and provide them with the recognition and respect they deserve.” He added that Ile-Ife, being the heartland of Yoruba land, has not received adequate federal government support in many areas of development and infrastructure.
“The president, being a Yoruba man, should liaise with His Imperial Majesty Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Adewusi, to facilitate further development in Ife land. Governor Ademola Adeleke has been doing a commendable job in infrastructure development, which is unprecedented in the history of Osun State.”
“We appreciate the various ongoing development projects undertaken by the present administration in the state and hope that the federal government will also support Ife community with infrastructure capable of advancing its development.”
While praising the Supreme Court’s grant of autonomy to local governments, Adimula encouraged voters to reject non-performing leaders and resist money inducements during elections.
He lamented that some politicians use money to influence voters and then abandon their promises once in office, urging people to vote for leaders with genuine character.
Regarding hunger protests occurring across the country, the traditional chief mentioned that fixing market prices for commodities is challenging due to rising transportation costs.
