By Victor Adeoti
An Ifa priest, Ifayemi Elebuibon, says swearing-in of public officials through the traditional deities will reduce corruption to the barest minimum in the country.
Elebuibon, who said this while speaking with newsmen on Thursday in Osogbo, noted that when politicians were allowed to take oaths with the “Ogun” (god of iron) and other traditional ways, they would not engage in any form of corrupt act.
He said that an average politician was afraid of the consequences that would follow, if he or she swore with Ogun (god of iron) or any other traditional means.
According to him, god of iron is very swift in delivering judgment whenever anyone break his or her promises.
Elebuibon, who is the Araba of Osogbo, said the level of corruption in the country was alarming, and affecting every sector of the economy as well as the masses.
“What is making politicians to 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 sinned, they can easily go to one corner and ask for forgiveness and continue with the sin, but they cannot do that with 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,” the IFA priest said.
Speaking on the selection of traditional rulers, Elebuibon, who also is also a renowned culture promoter, said that it was abnormal for governors to be involved in the selection of traditional rulers.
He noted that it was the responsibility of the kingmakers to select traditional rulers, adding that it was against the tradition for governors to appoint or select traditional rulers.
Elebuibon said that because of the involvement of governors in the selection of traditional rulers, they rubbish the traditional institution at will.
According to him, while government should see to the welfare of the traditional rulers, they should be prevented from their selection. (NAN)
