Reactions have continued to trail a viral video showing an oath-taking ceremony of members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to ex-Governor Ayodele Fayose.
In the viral video, the party’s ward executives in Ijero Local Government were seen taking oaths in Yoruba language and laying curses of death on themselves if they ever betray ‘Osoko’, the popular name for Fayose.
The meeting was said to have been called and members forced to pledge allegiance against Senator Biodun Olujimi-led group who had been at loggerheads with the former governor.
Prominent among those in the video are the former PDP Chairman in the state, Chief Bola Olu-Ojo, former member of the State House Assembly, Hon Dayo Akinleye Maxima, Mr Mike Adeosun, Mr Segun Ademile, Mr Aniyikaye Michael Ayo, Mr Olayiwola Oderinde, Princess Oriade Adefunke, Mr Ayo Komolafe, Mr Michael Ojo and Mrs Yemisi Fajuyi and Mr Taye Olusile, among others.
Reacting to the allegation, Chief Olu-Ojo denied indulging in any secret oath, describing the allegation as “puerile and malicious” and the handiwork of some renegades within the party.
“It was not oath-taking but affirmation of loyalty to our leader, Fayose.”
“There was nothing secret, it was an open meeting. It was not oath-taking because in the course of activities, there was no Bible, Quran, Iron, blood and other objects to swear with.
“It was an individual opinion. Nobody repeated anything after me. Everybody stated whatever they wanted to say on his or her own accord. There was no Special language while reading. It was individual words that were use and we were making their pledges in the manner which is an affirmation,” he stated.
Reacting through his media aide, Mr Lere Olayinka, Fayose denied the alleged oath-taking, describing it as expression of allegiance.
According to him, “Did you see Fayose in that video? Did you see any object like Bible, Quran, iron? If no, how does that amount to oath-taking?
“When people gather to express their allegiance to their leader, how does that amount to oath-taking?
”I can tell you that the video was not leaked, it was released by one of the people there. If they have done something wrong, would they have released it?
” We have seen pictures of Chris Ngige in Okija shrine, did you see those people in the shrine performing ritual?
”There are more important issues in the country than what happened at Ijero Local Government.”
Watch video below: