UNCONVENTIONAL SWEARING-IN CEREMONY: EKITI LGA BOSS GOES SPIRITUAL, SWEARS IN ADVISERS USING ‘Ògún’ IDOL

By Aishat Momoh. O.

In an unprecedented move that has sparked controversy, supervisors and advisers of Ikere-Ekiti Local Government Area in Ekiti State were sworn in using an ‘Ògún’ totem alongside the Holy Quran, raising questions about the intertwining of traditional beliefs with official duties.

The ceremony took place at the Conference Hall of the LGA chairman Olu Adamolekun’s office on May 2nd, where the oath of office was administered by Adamolekun himself.

Video footage circulating on social media captured the appointees wielding a cutlass, symbolizing the god of iron, in one hand and the Quran in the other as they took their oath of office.

During the administration of the oath, Adamolekun instructed the appointees to pledge loyalty in Yoruba to BAO, the Ekiti state governor, and Monisade, the deputy governor, as well as to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its leaders in Ekiti.

They were required to declare, “From today, I will be loyal and truthful to BAO, Monisade, 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.”

Traditionally, public office holders in Nigeria swear an oath of office using either the Quran or Bible, pledging allegiance to the Constitution. However, in this instance, the incorporation of traditional beliefs and loyalty to a political party has raised concerns about the separation of state and religion, as well as the impartiality of public officials.

The unconventional swearing-in ceremony has elicited mixed reactions from residents and political observers, with some expressing support for the integration of cultural practices and others raising objections over the potential implications for governance and religious freedom.