Osun Monarch: PDP Politicians Must Swear Oath Before Guber Poll

• The traditional ruler of Ibokun, Osun State, has compelled politicians contesting for governorship positions to swear an oath before participating in Saturday's gubernatorial election.
• The oath-taking ceremony is voluntary but seen as a way to promote peace and stability during the electoral process.
• Lawyers advising PDP candidates should note that the requirement to swear an oath may have implications for their campaign schedules and potential liabilities if they fail to comply.

The oath-taking ceremony is not mandatory but rather a voluntary gesture by the traditional ruler to promote peace and stability during the election.

The National Treasurer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Diran Odeyemi, has disclosed that the traditional ruler of his hometown, Ibokun, in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, has compelled politicians contesting for governorship positions to swear an oath before participating in Saturday's gubernatorial election. The oath is meant to maintain peace and stability during the electoral process. According to Odeyemi, this tradition has been in place for a long time and is seen as a way to ensure that contestants are committed to upholding the principles of democracy.

The PDP National Treasurer emphasized that the oath-taking ceremony is not mandatory but rather a voluntary gesture by the traditional ruler to promote peace and stability during the election. However, he noted that some politicians have chosen to participate in the oath-taking ceremony as a way to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining peace and order during the electoral process.

The requirement for politicians to swear an oath before participating in the gubernatorial election is rooted in traditional practices in Nigeria. In many parts of the country, monarchs are revered as custodians of cultural values and traditions. The oath-taking ceremony is seen as a way to ensure that contestants are committed to upholding these values and principles. While there is no specific law or regulation that mandates politicians to swear an oath before participating in elections, the tradition has been observed for many years.

However, lawyers advising PDP candidates should note that the requirement to swear an oath may have implications for their campaign schedules and potential liabilities if they fail to comply. The oath-taking ceremony may also raise questions about the role of traditional rulers in the electoral process and whether it is constitutional.

The swearing of an oath by politicians contesting for governorship positions has significant implications for the electoral process in Nigeria. The tradition highlights the importance of maintaining peace and stability during elections, which is critical to ensuring a free and fair process. The oath-taking ceremony also underscores the role of traditional rulers in promoting cultural values and principles that are essential for democratic governance.

Moreover, the requirement for politicians to swear an oath before participating in the election raises questions about the relationship between traditional institutions and modern democratic practices. It highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between culture and politics in Nigeria's electoral process.

Lawyers advising PDP candidates should note that the requirement to swear an oath may have implications for their campaign schedules and potential liabilities if they fail to comply.

Source: Original reporting via Monarch Compels Politicians to Swear An Oath to Maintain the Peace In Saturday’s Guber Poll