MURIC faults Olubadan coronation programme over Friday prayer clash

MURIC faults Olubadan coronation programme over Friday prayer clash

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticized the programme for the upcoming coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadan, describing it as “provocative, insensitive and unacceptable” for failing to make provisions for the Muslim Friday prayer.

In a statement issued on Saturday, September 6, 2025, and signed by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group alleged that the coronation committee bowed to the influence of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who it claimed has a record of scheduling state functions to coincide with Jumu’ah prayers.

The committee had earlier announced that the week-long celebration of the coronation of the Olubadan-elect, former governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, would begin on Monday, September 22, with an interfaith prayer session, followed by cultural and religious activities, before the formal coronation on Friday, September 26, at 9 a.m. A thanksgiving service at the Catholic Cathedral, Oke Padre, was also scheduled for Sunday, September 28.

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MURIC argued that fixing the coronation for Friday morning, coupled with a reception planned for 1 p.m. the same day, effectively sidelines the Muslim Friday prayer.

“Neither is any mention made of any programme to be held in any mosque on that day whereas a ‘Thanksgiving Service’ to be held in the Catholic Cathedral is conspicuously and boldly printed on the programme. This is an attempt to Christianise the coronation ceremony,” Akintola said.

The group recalled that similar incidents occurred during the road commissioning in Iseyin in September 2023 and the coronation of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, in July 2024, when Muslims reportedly missed Jumu’ah due to the governor’s late arrival.

MURIC, which had previously advised Governor Makinde to avoid scheduling events during Friday prayer times, said the present situation shows a disturbing pattern. “Once is happenstance, twice is a coincidence, the third time is enemy action,” the group declared.

As an alternative, MURIC proposed that the coronation be moved to Saturday, September 27, or that Friday’s programme be reviewed to include a “Thanksgiving Jumu’ah Service” at 1 p.m., with the reception shifted to 3 p.m.

The group urged the coronation planning committee to “respect the sensitivity of Oyo State Muslims” and prevent guests from leaving with the impression that Friday prayer is not recognized in the state.

MURIC faults Olubadan coronation programme over Friday prayer clash