An Ifa priest, Ifayemi Elebuibon, has advocated for the adoption of traditional deities to swear in public officials, saying it will reduce corruption to the barest minimum.
Elebuibon made the call on Thursday in Osogbo, stressing that when politicians start taking oaths with Ogun (god of iron) and other African gods, they would not engage in any form of corrupt act.
According to the priest, average political office holder is afraid of the consequences that would follow if they swore with any traditional deity.
He also expressed confidence in the god of iron being very swift in delivering judgment whenever anyone breaks promises.
Elebuibon, who is the Araba of Osogbo, said the level of corruption in the country was alarming, and was affecting every sector of the economy, as well as the masses.
He said; “What is making politicians misbehave is because of the leniency of the Bible and the Qur’an, which they use for oath-taking.
“Many of them know that if they sin, they can easily go to one corner and ask for forgiveness and continue with the sin, but they cannot do that with the god of iron; if they misbehave, it will be an instant judgment.
“That is why I am advocating for traditional oath-taking for politicians. Let them try it and see what the repercussions will be. Traditional oath-taking is a way to curb corruption.”
He also addressed the Kano emirate tussle and noted that the selection of traditional rulers by governors is not proper as they should not be involved in the process.
