The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has frowned at the manner of abuse meted on the Naira bank notes by a traditional ruler in Ogun State.
In a viral video, the Olu owode, Kolawole Sowemimo, knitted N1000 notes together, forming a long rope.
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.
The monarch 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.
Reacting to the abuse through a statement on Tuesday, the Director General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the monarch’s action attracts imprisonment.
The statement read in part: “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,” Issa-Onilu said.
The NOA boss, however, warned the monarch to desist from such an act and rather become an apostle against abuse of the Naira notes.
The monarch could not be reached on phone for his comments on the incident.