The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has attributed the tradition of Yorubas spraying money at parties to a cultural spirit. According to him, this practice is ingrained in the cultures of both Yoruba and Igbo communities.
In a statement issued by his press secretary, Alli Ibrahim, Oluwo slammed the recent crackdown by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on individuals who misuse the Nigerian currency, describing it as a misdirected effort.
He urged EFCC officials to prioritize comprehensive public enlightenment campaigns on proper naira handling before resorting to punitive measures.
The statement reads: “There is a cultural spirit in Yoruba that forces you to spend money uncontrollably at your exciting moment. I’m sure the spirit will be tamed when people have public knowledge of possible penalties for naira abuse. The commission should not place the cart before the horse.
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“The recent litigations by the EFCC against naira abuse is a misplaced priority. The practice of spraying money is more cultural for the Yorubas and Igbos. There is a cultural spirit in Yoruba that forces you to spend money uncontrollably at your exciting moment. I’m sure the spirit will be tamed when people have public knowledge of possible penalties for naira abuse. The commission should not place the cart before the horse.
“EFCC should use both print and electronic media to enlighten the public on those acts constituting naira abuse and spell out penalties. The public knowledge will unavoidably caution individuals and empower the commission to identify and punish arrogant naira abusers.”
In an effort to crack down on individuals involved in the abuse of the Nigerian currency, the EFCC successfully prosecuted the well-known cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
Likewise, the anti-corruption agency brought charges against business tycoon Pascal Okechukwu, also recognized as Cubana Chief Priest, for alleged naira abuse. He was arraigned before a Lagos High Court on a three-count indictment.
(Daily Post)
