Traditionalist wants May 29 swearing-in done with native deity

By Adémólá Òrúnbon

A Traditional religion adherent, Oba Ìsèse Of Ogun state and Chairman of Ìsèse Kingdom Of Truth Association Of Nigeria, Oba Ifarotimi Adifagbola Balogun, has called for the adoption of Ogun, “the god of iron,” to swear in all elective and appointed office holders in Nigeria rather than Bible and Qur’an in order to curb the misappropriation of public funds.

Oba Adifagbola Balogun made this call during Idi-Ori Annual Festival, held at Idi-Ori Palace, in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Ogun state, which heralds the residents to worship the Olumori deity.

Oba Adifagbola Balogun, who was conferred with a chieftaincy title, Laderin Of Idi-Ori by the Baale Idi-Ori community, Baale Dahood Adedeji Adegboyega at the annual event of Idi-Ori day.

Speaking with journalists, Oba Adifagbola Balogun, said, “We have contributed and are still contributing to the development of our community, Idi-Ori and the nation at large. The problem we are facing in Nigeria is our people at the helm of affairs because they are not honest, and that’s what is affecting us.

“If we can decide to be swearing in political office holders, either elective or appointed officers, in traditional ways or through the god of iron, things will be better and they will stop embezzling our money because they know the immediate consequence of their action. Even in the judiciary, the judges too will give fair hearing and judgement.”

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While urging the federal, state and local governments to give them the same honour as accorded Muslims and Christians, Oba Adifagbola Balogun argued that ‘‘they were entitled to all the things the other two religions enjoy in Nigeria.’’

Earlier speaking, the Baale of Idi-Ori, Baale Adegboyega said that the programme is celebrated annually to worship the Olumori shrine and appease her for peace and comfortability of the community.

Baale Adegboyega said that he was overwhelmed to celebrate the festival with chieftaincy title conferred to some prominent people of Idi-Ori and its environs, noting that those conferred with chieftaincy title were done through their contributions to the community.