The governor noted that he would officially sign an executive order before the end of the week and back it up with a bill that would be sent to the House of Assembly. He commended the board for organising workshops for their continued development and acknowledged their contribution to the victory of President-elect Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor also urged board members to vote for him and 26 other House of Assembly candidates for a second term during the upcoming elections.
The Chairman of the board, Alhaji Nurudeen Olaleye, commended the governor for recognising the board and noted that the alternate medicine members in the state were over 20,000. He called for legal empowerment for the board to prosecute quacks who gave the board a bad name.
Traditional worshippers have often been neglected in Nigeria’s secular system, with their beliefs and practices sometimes clashing with mainstream religions. However, some states have taken steps to recognise and accommodate traditional worshipers, such as designating holidays and creating councils.
Ogun State, which has many conventional worshippers, has made this move to acknowledge their presence and integrate them into the state’s socio-political structure.
The “Isese Day” declaration in Ogun State is a positive development for traditional worshippers and a step towards inclusivity and cultural diversity.
This move by the governor sends a message of acceptance to those practising traditional religions, acknowledging their existence and contributions to society. It is also a step towards fostering peaceful coexistence among religious groups in the state.
With the legal backing and support of the Alternate Medicine Board, the condition can ensure that those who practice traditional medicine are appropriately trained and regulated, thus providing a safer environment for patients seeking alternative medical treatments.