IFA PRIEST SUGGESTS TRADITIONAL OATH-TAKING FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS

IFA PRIEST SUGGESTS TRADITIONAL OATH-TAKING FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS

An Ifa priest, Chief Fashola Faniyi, has advocated the swearing- in of public officers through a traditional oath.

Faniyi, who is also the founder of the Ancestral Pride Foundation, an NGO, spoke on Wednesday on the sideline of a news conference to mark the first anniversary of the foundation in Ota, Ogun State.

The foundation was established to promote African socio-cultural heritage.

The Ifa priest argued that as long as governments at all levels refuse to recognise traditional religion alongside Christianity and Islam, a true change would be difficult to achieve in the country.

Faniyi said: “Why can’t we swear in our public officers through traditional methods such as the god of iron and the god of thunder, to mention just a few.

“”Why must our president and governors take an oath of office only with the Bible and Quran?’’

Faniyi noted that politicians know the implications of swearing with traditional gods “because it will result in instant punishment when they indulge in sin or immorality.’’

He implored Nigerians to change their perception of traditional beliefs and practices.

“People believe that most of our traditional practices are fetish and this is not true,’’ he said.

He also said that the foundation was established to assist the less privileged as well as for the promotion of African traditional beliefs.