Renowned historian and Professor of African Studies, Toyin Falola, has urged the National Assembly to review Nigeria’s oath of office by incorporating the invocation of the Yoruba deities, Sango and Ogun, arguing that such a move could help reinforce integrity, accountability and ethical leadership among public office holders.
Falola made the call while delivering the keynote lecture titled “Yorùbá Mythologies and Their Relevance Today” during the inauguration of the Alaafin Institute of Yoruba Studies at Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo. He maintained that Nigeria’s existing constitutional and legal frameworks had not been sufficient to deter corruption, abuse of office and other forms of misconduct among elected and appointed public officials.
According to the professor, integrating indigenous cultural values into public governance could strengthen the moral responsibility of leaders by complementing existing legal mechanisms. He argued that invoking revered traditional deities associated with justice, truth and accountability could instil a deeper sense of responsibility in those entrusted with public office.
Falola explained that Sango, regarded in Yoruba tradition as the deity of justice and divine retribution, and Ogun, revered as the deity of iron, truth and integrity, represent values that promote honesty and accountability. He noted that incorporating their invocation into the oath of office would serve as a symbolic reminder that public service demands transparency, discipline and unwavering commitment to the common good.
He questioned why, despite elaborate constitutional provisions and anti-corruption laws, cases of corruption, abuse of office and impunity continue to undermine governance in Nigeria. According to him, strengthening ethical consciousness through indigenous cultural traditions could provide an additional layer of moral restraint for public officials.
The distinguished scholar stressed that the proposal was not intended to replace constitutional provisions or judicial processes but to encourage a stronger culture of accountability rooted in Nigeria’s indigenous heritage. He maintained that African traditional values remain relevant to contemporary governance and should be explored as part of broader efforts to promote responsible leadership.
Falola further called for greater recognition of African knowledge systems within educational institutions, noting that universities have a critical role in preserving indigenous history, culture and philosophies while encouraging scholarly engagement with traditional institutions.
He added that strengthening Yoruba studies and other African cultural disciplines would help younger generations better understand their heritage and appreciate how indigenous values can contribute to nation-building and ethical leadership in modern society.
