EXTRA: LG boss introduces traditional oath-taking using firearm
Wale Adedayo, the Chairman of Ijebu-East Local Government Area of Ogun State, has introduced traditional oath-taking in the council.
Adedayo, a self-confessed traditionalist, narrated an incident whereby he had to provide a firearm to represent ‘Ogun’ – the god of thunder – at an official oath-taking ceremony.
He said on his Facebook wall: “Yesterday, it was the Leader of our Legislative Arm, Hon. Akindele Fasheyi, who reminded me about the need to include an item of African Traditional Religion in the materials for oath of office”.
According to him, the council always have a Holy Bible and Holy Qur’an for such a ceremony.
“Upon being reminded by the Leader of the House, I got my Police orderly to allow his pistol to represent ‘Ogun Lakaaye’.
Adedayo’s spur-of-the-moment decision would reveal his colleagues’ fear of the traditional god, known in Yoruba mythology to be fierce and unsparing in its judgment.
“Nobody (among the oath takers) requested to use the gun for Ibura (Yoruba word for oath-taking).
“They all opted for either the Bible or Qur’an,” Adedayo added.
Adedayo, who is a journalist and author, was Chief Press Secretary to the then Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.