By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
In an oath of office that merged tradition with foreign religion, the Ikere-Ekiti Local Government Area in Ekiti state witnessed the swearing-in of its supervisors and advisers using both traditional Ògún totems and the Holy Quran.
Ògún, recognized as the “god of iron” in African traditional religion, took center stage alongside the sacred Quran during the event, which unfolded on the 2nd of May at the Conference Hall of the LGA chairman’s office, presided over by Olu Adamolekun.
A widely circulated video on social received by Irohinoodua captured the moment as the appointees, one by one, took a cutlass symbolizing the god of iron in one hand and the Quran in the other while reciting their oath of office, administered by Adamolekun.
Local party officials told Irohinoodua that the initiative was localised and not the standard practice either in Ekiti or within the All Progressives Congress, (APC).
The new style appears to define the growing discomfort of Nigerians with Government functionaries that swear in the English manners but turn out to embezzle public funds and oppress their people.
But there is no guarantee that swearing with Ogun will alter the default manners of bad leaders, though there is the superstituous belief that politicians would fear traditional gods than the conventional means.
In a departure from the conventional oath-taking process, Adamolekun directed the appointees to pledge allegiance not only to the Ekiti state governor and deputy governor but also to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its leaders in the state. They affirmed their loyalty in Yoruba, invoking consequences from both the traditional deity and the sacred text should they stray from their commitment.
During the administration of the oath of office, Adamolekun requested the appointees to recite the following phrase in Yoruba: “From today, I will be loyal and truthful to BAO (Ekiti state governor), and Monisade (deputy governor), APC and its leaders.”
“I will take instructions from the leaders. If I refuse to do so, Ogun or the Quran should kill me. For this, I will be truthful,” they repeated in Yoruba.
The unconventional oath-taking ceremony has sparked conversations and raised eyebrows, as public officers typically swear allegiance to the Constitution using the Quran or Bible. However, in this instance, the fusion of tradition and contemporary politics introduced a unique dimension to the governance landscape of Ekiti state.
The list of sworn-in appointees includes:
SUPERVISORS:
- Femi Ayeni — Are/Aramomi/Ayetoro Ward
- Olu Ogundipe — Okeruku Ward
- Idowu Ojo Omowumi — Atiba/Aafin Ward
- Ajayi Mathew Oladele — Ogbonjana Ward
ADVISERS:
- Sola Alonge — Odose Ward
- Boluwaji Daramola — Ilapetu/Ijao Ward
- Toyin Owolabi — Agbado/Oyo Ward
- Akojiyan Olamilekan Rasaq — Oke Osun Ward
- Filani Motunrayo — Afao/Kajola Ward
The fusion of traditional and modern elements in governance ceremonies reflects the cultural diversity and heritage of Ekiti state, underscoring the intricate interplay between tradition, religion, and politics in Nigeria’s dynamic landscape.
