An Ifa priest, Ifayemi Elebuibon, says swearing in public officials through traditional rites will reduce corruption in Nigeria.

Mr Elebuibon, who said this while speaking with journalists 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 the average politician was afraid of the consequences that would follow if he swore with the god of iron or any other traditional diety.

According to him, the god of iron delivers judgment swiftly whenever anyone breaks his promises.

Mr Elebuibon, the Araba of Osogbo, said the level of corruption in the country was alarming and affected every sector of the economy and the masses.

“What is making politicians 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 could easily go to one corner and ask for forgiveness and continue with the sin, but they could not do that with the god of iron; if they misbehaved, it would 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 explained.

Speaking on selecting traditional rulers, Mr Elebuibon, a renowned culture promoter, said that governors’ involvement in the process was abnormal.

He noted that it was the responsibility of the kingmakers to select traditional rulers and that it was against tradition for governors to appoint or select traditional rulers.

Mr Elebuibon added that because governors are involved in selecting traditional rulers, they rubbish the traditional institution at will.

According to him, while the government should ensure the welfare of traditional rulers, they should be prevented from being selected.

(NAN)