Ogun Monarch In Naira Abuse Controversy Risks Imprisonment – NOA
The National Orientation Agency, NOA, has frowned at the manner of abuse melted on Nigeria currency by a monarch in Ogun state.
In a viral video, the Olu owode, Kolawole Sowemimo, knitted N1000 notes together, forming a long rope of naira.
The monarch was, however, seen in the video wrapping naira notes around the neck of the popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, at a party.
The monarch was seen personally engaging in the act of abuse with the help of his aide on the dance floor.
Reacting to this abuse through a statement on Tuesday, Director General, NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the act of the monarch attracts imprisonment.
The statement reads partly, “The NOA has the mandate to preserve and promote the integrity of our national symbols and we are compelled to appeal to you and indeed all traditional rulers to see it as part of your duty to preserve these symbols as part of our national culture. These symbols are icons that define us as a sovereign nation and respect for them is also respect for our country.
“The monarch’s action violates Section 21 (3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 as amended, which stipulates that spraying of, dancing or matching on the naira or any note issued by the bank during social occasions or otherwise, howsoever, shall constitute abuse and defacing of the naira or such note and shall be punishable under the law by fines or imprisonment or both,” Issa-Onilu said.
The NOA boss, however, appealed to the monarch to desist from such an act and rather become an apostle against abuse of the Naira notes.
Efforts to speak with the monarch on the reason for the abuse of the currency was unsuccessful as his telephone number was not reachable at the time of filing this report.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
