Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, says he has never demanded or collected a bribe in his career, attributing his stance to the moral upbringing he received from his late father, a lay preacher. He spoke on Sunday at St. Martin Catholic Police Chaplaincy, Eleweran, Abeokuta, during the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo. The event also featured the blessing of the newly constructed Grotto of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and the foundation-laying for the Catholic Chaplains’ House, with senior officers including ACP Gloria Otonko in attendance.
Ojajuni told parents that raising children in the fear of God is an investment in the country’s future. He recounted how his father rejected money he brought from a Police Cooperative loan for house renovation until he produced a certificate of indebtedness to prove it was legitimately borrowed.
“That was largely because of the way my father brought me up,” he said. “My father placed my feet on the path of the Lord and taught me to live with integrity. Now you can see the reason why I said I don’t demand or collect bribes. Why would I?” The CP added that his father’s counsel — “You are working for yourself” — continues to guide him, noting he is now the one enjoying the responsibilities and honour of public office.
He urged parents of the confirmands that by putting their children on the path of the Lord, they are building future leaders less vulnerable to social vices. Ojajuni also recalled growing up in Ondo State as a Methodist around the corner from a Catholic Church, where both congregations supported each other during harvests. He said such values of faith, discipline and community remain essential for building integrity in public service and society.
