MURIC accuses Oyo government of systemic persecution of Muslims
Ibadan, Nigeria — The Oyo State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused Christian officials in the state government of orchestrating what it described as a “vicious and persistent pattern of religious persecution” against Muslims.
Speaking at a world press conference in Ibadan, the Secretary of the chapter, Ambassador Ibrahim Agunbiade, said the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has allegedly presided over the “worst phase” of anti-Muslim victimisation in the state’s history.
Addressing journalists, Muslim leaders and civil society observers, Agunbiade outlined what he referred to as “a catalogue of targeted injustices” affecting Muslim students, teachers and political stakeholders across Oyo State.
Hijab Harassment in Public Schools
MURIC alleged that teachers in several government-owned missionary schools have continued to seize hijabs from female Muslim students, despite state directives affirming the right of students to wear religious attire.
Agunbiade said the refusal of some school heads to comply amounted to “official complicity,” adding that MURIC had to intervene in multiple cases to prevent escalation.
Disregard for Supreme Court Ruling
The organisation also accused the state government of ignoring the Supreme Court judgment legitimising the use of hijab in public schools. By allowing schools to flout the order, Agunbiade said, the government was “endorsing contempt for the rule of law.”
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Alleged Manipulation of Curriculum
According to MURIC, the state government initially complied with the National Council on Education directive mandating the teaching of Islamic Studies, Christian Religious Studies and History in schools, but later reversed its stance in a contradictory circular.
This, the group argued, has resulted in many schools sidelining Islamic Studies and “denying Muslim students access to essential knowledge about their faith.”
Forced Evangelism Allegations
Agunbiade further claimed that Muslim students were sometimes taken to Christian evangelical grounds under false pretences, adding that such actions were “immoral, illegal and an attempt to convert Muslim minors.”
Political Marginalisation
The group accused Governor Makinde of religious imbalance in key appointments, stating that while Christians allegedly received ten commissioner positions, Muslims were given only six.
“This pattern is unfair and does not reflect the demographic reality of the state,” MURIC asserted.
Absence of Shari’ah Courts
The organisation described the absence of a Shari’ah court in Oyo State as a deliberate denial of Muslims’ constitutional rights to personal law adjudication.
Other Allegations
MURIC listed several additional grievances, including:
Forcing Muslim students to sing Christmas carols, citing a 2022 incident at St. Anne’s School, Ibadan.
Frequent discrimination against Muslim students in nursing schools.
The alleged Christianisation of the 2022 TESCOM recruitment examination by including Bible-based questions.
Deliberately scheduling state functions and examinations during Friday prayer times.
Call for Intervention
Agunbiade urged the federal government, international human rights bodies and global Muslim organisations to intervene and investigate the claims, warning that continued disregard for Muslim rights could lead to heightened religious tensions.
“We seek dialogue, not violence,” he said, reiterating MURIC’s motto while calling on the Oyo State government to address the issues “fairly, transparently and without religious bias.”
MURIC accuses Oyo government of systemic persecution of Muslims