Monday, April 21, 2025

MURIC CONGRATULATES OBA ISA SHEKONI: NEW OSOLO OF ISOLO

 


21st April, 2025

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC CONGRATULATES OBA ISA SHEKONI: NEW OSOLO OF ISOLO

An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has congratulated the new Osolo of Isolo, Oba Isa Abiodun Olakunle Shekoni. The group described the new king as a globally exposed, profoundly visionary and highly experienced traditional ruler poised to make the city of Isolo great again. 

MURIC's congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued on Monday, 21st April, 2025 by the Executive Director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

He said: 

"The ancient city of Isolo has been blessed with a new traditional ruler in the person of Oba Engr Isa Abiodun Olakunle Shekoni. This was sequel to the demise of the former Osolo of Isolo, the Late Oba Kabiru Alani Agbabiaka on Wednesday, 10th April, 2024.

"The young monarch who was born on 25th December, 1974, hails from the Akinlagun branch of the Alagbeji ruling house. He has a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.

"Oba Isa Abiodun Olakunle Shekoni ascended the throne of his ancestors after emerging victorious among sixteen (16) aspirants to the stool. He is a globally exposed, profoundly visionary and highly experienced technocrat poised to make the city of Isolo great again. 

"His emergence was officially confirmed by the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on Friday 28th March, 2025. He was crowned two days later on 30th March at the village square, Esa, with the ancient traditional crown of Isolo. 

"Although ceremonial coronation is still expected to come up on Sunday, 29th June, 2025, MURIC deems it fit to send its early goodwill message to this iconic technocrat turned traditional ruler. 

"Oba Shekoni is bringing treasures without measure to the table at the Osolo palace. Loaded with youthful explorational propensity, the new Osolo is seen as a great asset to Isolo town and he is expected to bring speedy growth to the ancient city. 

"With variegated and wide experience especially in construction, Isolo is expected to witness dynamic structural development. The new king is expected to bring his experience to bear at the shortest time possible having worked at several engineering companies within and outside Nigeria where he won several awards for his excellent performance.

"We remind the new king that Allah is the King of all kings, Master of all masters and Judge of all judges. We therefore charge him to walk in the path of the pious and to make service to the indigenes and residents of Isolo his major priority. We urge the people of Isolo to cooperate fully with the new monarch and the government of Lagos State. 

"MURIC prays that the crown lasts long on the king's head. May the beaded shoes feature on his royal feet for years and may he hold the horsetail for decades. May his reign be long, peaceful and fruitful. May we have Greater Isolo during his reign."

#OsoloOfIsolo

#CongratulationsObaShekoni

#GreaterIsolo

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

 

Saturday, April 19, 2025

MURIC COMMENDS ARMY FOR MAKING CHANGES IN BORNO

 


19th April, 2025

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC COMMENDS ARMY FOR MAKING CHANGES IN BORNO

Authorities of the Nigerian Army have started making tactical changes in some of its operations to contain the renewed attacks particularly in Plateau and Borno states. The changes began after Governors Babagana Zulum of Borno and Caleb Muftwang of Plateau complained openly about the deteriorating security situations in their respective states.

Their complaints were echoed by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC, https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1650058-muric-speaks-boko-haram-resurgence-borno-governor-cries-out/).

Meanwhile the Islamic human rights organization has commended the Nigerian Army for responding swiftly to the alarms raised by the two governors. MURIC described the military’s recent tactical changes as evidence of professionalism and responsiveness.

MURIC said:

“Authorities of the Nigerian Army have started making tactical changes in some of its operations to contain the renewed attacks particularly in Borno and Plateau states. The changes began after Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno and Caleb Muftwang of Plateau complained openly about the deteriorating security situation in their states (https://thenationonlineng.net/zulum-laments-boko-haram-resurgence/).

“We note with pleasure that the army initiated tactical changes in its operations in the affected areas yesterday with top officers being redeployed to strengthen ongoing operations. It was gathered that the Theatre Commander for North East Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State and the Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna, were among the senior officers allegedly redeployed (https://dailytrust.com/insecurity-in-north-military-replaces-theatre-commander-in-borno/).

“The Nigerian Army deserves encomiums for this swift response. It is symptomatic of professionalism and responsiveness. Our gallant soldiers are giving Nigerian taxpayers the attention they deserve while endangered zones get necessary assurance of protection. This is exactly how democracy is run.

“MURIC calls on Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices being made by the army. We call for cooperation with soldiers particularly in war zones. We also charge Nigerian youths to be prepared to join the army for the purpose of defending the fatherland.

#KudosNigerianArmy

#LiberateBornoNow

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

 

Thursday, April 17, 2025

MURIC HAILS JIGAWA GOV FOR PROMOTING USE OF HIJAB AMONG PRIVATE SECURITY PERSONNEL

 


17th April, 2025

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC HAILS JIGAWA GOV FOR PROMOTING USE OF HIJAB AMONG PRIVATE SECURITY PERSONNEL

An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has commended the governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, for encouraging the use of hijab among female staff of private security organisations in the state.

In a statement issued on Thursday, 17th April, 2025, the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, poured encomiums on the governor for directing the three private security outfits in the state to allow their female Muslim staff to wear hijab on their uniforms.

MURIC said:

“Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has directed the three private security outfits in the state to permit their female Muslim staff to use hijab on top of their uniforms. Reports say the three private security firms in the state employ a total of 9,969 security personnel (https://ireporteronline.com.ng/blog/jigawa-government-mandates-hijab-use-for-female-security-personnel/).

“MURIC commends this move. It shows how well the governor understands his religion and how proud he is of his faith. Governor Umar Namadi comes across as somebody who will not succumb to civilizational intimidation. His latest directive proves that he is out for inclusivity, decency, modesty and dignity for women in the workplace.

“We urge all Muslim government officials wherever they are and no matter how highly placed to boldly and honestly profess and practice their faith without manifesting any hypocritical aura. Only thus can they earn the blessings of their Creator as well as the respect of fellow homo sapiens, both Muslims and non-Muslims.

“This does not prevent Muslim officials from respecting Allah-given and fundamental human rights of non-Muslim workers under them. In fact, unjust treatment of others is a grievous sin in Islam because Allah commands justice and righteousness towards all regardless of religious leaning (Glorious Qur’an 16:90).

#JigawaState

#Hijab

#KudosGovernorUmarNamadi

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

 

Sunday, April 13, 2025

ZULUM’S ALARM: STEM BOKO HARAM RESURGENCE – MURIC

 


14th April, 2025

PRESS RELEASE:

ZULUM’S ALARM: STEM BOKO HARAM RESURGENCE – MURIC

An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has lent its voice to the alarms raised by Governors Zulum of Borno State and Caleb Muftwang of Plateau concerning the worsening security situations in the two northern states. MURIC called on the military to review its tactics in order to stem Boko Haram resurgence in the North East and halt the spread of bandits’ tentacles in North Central Nigeria.

The call was made in a statement issued on Monday, 14th April, 2025 by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement reads:

“The governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, raised an alarm on Tuesday, 8th April, 2025 that Boko Haram insurgents have taken over two local government councils (https://thenationonlineng.net/zulum-laments-boko-haram-resurgence/).

“Within one week of Zulum’s alarm, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), planted by Boko Haram terrorists on the deserted road which passes through the Sambisa forest, exploded killing eight people and injuring 21 others.

“The sad incident occurred on Saturday, 12th April, 2025 while cars on a scheduled military-escorted convoy were transporting passengers from Damboa to Maiduguri (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/nnorth-east/787515-boko-haram-seven-passengers-feared-killed-in-road-explosion.html).

“Interestingly, Zulum’s counterpart in Plateau State, Caleb Muftwang, has complained that bandits have taken over 64 communities in his state (https://www.channelstv.com/2025/04/08/bandits-have-taken-over-64-communities-in-plateau-gov-muftwang/).

“MURIC laments the worsening security situation in the North. We remind the Federal Government (FG) of the provisions of Article 14 Section 2(b) of the1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which says, ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government’.

“As the Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, we therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prove to Nigerians that he is capable of leading them to victory against the forces of evil and retrogression. The place to start is Borno. We have no scintilla of doubt that the presence of Tinubu in army fatigue in Damboa will create sensation in Borno trenches.

“Nigeria’s security agencies, especially the army, must turn the heat on Boko Haram and bandits, particularly in Borno and Plateau States. We charge the military to review its tactics in order to stem Boko Haram resurgence in the North East and halt the spread of bandits’ tentacles in North Central Nigeria. Our people deserve to sleep with both eyes closed.”

#BokoHaram

#MakeBornoSafe

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

 

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

MOSQUE DEMOLITION: MURIC TACKLES AFENIFERE FOR DEFENDING OPEYEMI BAMIDELE

 


9th April, 2025

PRESS RELEASE:

MOSQUE DEMOLITION: MURIC TACKLES AFENIFERE FOR DEFENDING OPEYEMI BAMIDELE

Sequel to an allegation levelled by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) that Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, knew about the demolition of Sabo Central Mosque, Aramoko, Ekiti State, the chairman of Afenifere, Ekiti State chapter, Mr. Gabriel Alonge, released a press statement yesterday, 8th April, 2025 in which he defended the Senate leader.

The Afenifere chieftain claimed that MURIC’s allegation was an incitement. It therefore charged the Department of State Security (DSS) to monitor the activities of MURIC.

Reacting to Afenifere’s statement on Wednesday, 9th April, 2025, the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, accused Afenifere of lying and nursing pathological bias against Yoruba Muslims.

The group insisted that Yoruba Muslims are not bastards but bona fide children of Yoruba soil who also deserve to be protected by Afenifere, a task the latter has left undone as it elected to encourage those who are oppressing Yoruba Muslims.

MURIC added:

“Following our statement of Monday, 7th April, 2025 captioned ‘MURIC Condemns Demolition of 2 Mosques in Ekiti’ in which we alleged that the Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, knew about the demolition of Sabo Central Mosque, Aramoko, Ekiti State, the chairman of Afenifere, Ekiti State chapter, Mr. Gabriel Alonge, released a press statement yesterday, 8th April, 2025  in which he defended the Senate leader (https://abiodunborisade.com/aramoko-ekiti-mosque-demolition-afenifere-defends-opeyemi-bamidele-against-allegations-by-muric/).

“The Afenifere chieftain claimed that MURIC’s allegation was an incitement. It therefore charged the Department of State Security (DSS) to monitor our activities (https://bushradiogist.com/afenifere-raises-alarm-muric-director-posing-danger-to-national-unity/).

“First and foremost, we stand by our statement and we take Afenifere’s remarks with a pinch of salt. The Senate Leader owns the constituency project for which the mosque was pulled down. It was therefore not possible for him not to know that his project would affect the mosque which was existing on the land.  

“Were there no drawings for the construction? Was the owner of the constituency project not briefed by the architect? What about the project engineer? Did he not brief his client? Was there no personal visit by the Senate Leader or his aides to the site of the project? Was it an empty land? Or do we want to infer, a priori, negligence or incompetence in the execution of the project?

“Afenifere should stop defending the indefensible and allow Opeyemi Bamidele to do the needful, namely, to engage the local Muslim community in dialogue. Is that too much to ask for? Is that incitement? Afenifere is hiding behind one finger.

“Afenifere has taken sides by defending the demolition of the mosque. Neutrality would have been the best stand of the organization when the issue involves a religious group since Afenifere wants Nigerians to believe that it is not out to push a Christian agenda. Fact-finding, neutrality and objectivity would have promoted dialogue and subsequent mutual understanding.

“Afenifere has exposed itself as a group with vested interest by defending Opeyemi Bamidele. It is an exhibition of anti-Muslim sentiment. Afenifere appears to be happy that mosques are being demolished methodically and systematically in Ekiti State.

“Of course this demolition of mosques in the state has a long history. It is not a new phenomenon. It started during the first tenure of Ayodele Fayose's administration in Ekiti, precisely in 2005 and MURIC cried out at the time (https://dailytrust.com/muric-warns-fayose-against-planned-demolition-of-4-mosques/).

“He first demolished the Old Prison Staff mosque. The mosque at the State Housing Estate, built by the Egbira community was the next. OkeSha mosque in Ado Ekiti was demolished in 2006 ostensibly to pave way for road dualization. In 2012, the Fayemi-led administration demolished Igbein Mosque, allegedly to avoid a clash with an idol worshippers' shrine in the area.

“The Fayemi administration also demolished a big Hausa mosque at Atikankan to make way for another Otu shrine, relocating the Hausa community to New Shasha at the outskirts of Ado Ekiti.

“In the recent demolitions under discussion, two other mosques were demolished: one at Sabo, Aramoko because of a constituency project initiated by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; the other in the same Igbein area of Ado Ekiti about six months ago.

“How can Islam survive in a Muslim community that loses two big mosques in six months? How can the Muslims worship freely and safely where every new regime joins the Mosque Destroyers’ Club (MDC)? The conspirators know what they are doing. There seems to be a plot among traditional and political leaders in Ekiti State in particular to eliminate Islam through multiple demolition of mosques.

“It is becoming more and more obvious by the day that there is a conspiracy targeting mosques for demolition in Ekiti State. Otherwise why is every regime keen on overdoing its predecessor in the race for the demolition of mosques? Why are the traditional rulers issuing arbitrary orders to Muslims to vacate their mosques and close their Shari’ah panels? (https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2025/01/26/ekiti-monarch-disbands-sharia-panel-summons-islamic-leaders/).

“Afenifere does not care for the interest of Yoruba Muslims but there is nothing it can do about us. Yoruba Muslims cannot be expelled from the land of their forefathers. We are bona fide children of Yoruba soil despite the fact that Afenifere has never said anything positive about us.

“Afenifere knew about the persecution of Yoruba Muslim children in public and private schools in the region, the denial of the use of Shari’ah for Yoruba Muslims, the political marginalization, economic strangulation and social ostracisation of Muslims in the region by their Yoruba kinsmen. Has Afenifere ever defended the rights of Muslims in the land?

“Some Yoruba youths threatened to unleash violence on Yoruba Muslim leaders a few weeks ago over the Shari’ah panel imbroglio. It was in viral video clips but nobody heard the voice of Afenifere. An intermediary role in the saga would have proved that Afenifere is for all Yorubas regardless of religious leaning. But Afenifere looked the other way because what those youths threatened to do to Muslim leaders keyed into Afenifere’s scheme.

“Afenifere is a biased organization that operates like a cultural wing of the Christian Organisation of Nigeria (CAN) in the South West masquerading as a socio-cultural organization.

“Afenifere has asked the DSS to monitor the activities of MURIC. But what we know is that Afenifere cannot give DSS orders. The DSS knows its onions. Afenifere should stop being naïve. There is no notable organization that DSS does not monitor as a matter of routine, including Afenifere. So how can a group that is being monitored issue orders to those monitoring it to monitor a perceived rival group.

“Afenifere claimed that we incited Nigerians in our statement. That is a big lie from the pit of Jahannam. Nobody should take Afenifere serious after this. Our statement ended with a plea for calm among Muslims. This was in the last paragraph where we said, ‘Meanwhile we appeal to Muslims in the state to remain calm and unperturbed. Islam is a religion of peace and we expect every Muslim to be a good ambassador of his or her religion’. It can still be checked. Internet does not tell lies like Afenifere (https://www.muricnigeria.com/muric-condemns-demolition-of-2-mosques-in-ekiti/)

“Nigerians can see very clearly that Afenifere is looking for ways of implicating MURIC or at least, to smear our good image. But they have failed woefully. We remain undaunted.

“Afenifere also tried to hoodwink Nigerians by saying that the Muslims of Aramoko were happy with the demolition of their mosque because the Chief Imam was present at the commissioning of the market.

“We respectfully disagree. The Chief Imam was ‘officially present’ at the commissioning as demanded by protocol. Muslims in Aramoko complained to MURIC about the demolition of their mosque. They also issued press statements on their own.

“The first paragraph of one of the statements published in a newspaper on 29th March, 2025 (i.e. even before MURIC reacted at all) reads, ‘The Muslim community in Aramoko Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, has raised concerns over what it described as systemic marginalization following the demolition of two of its mosques within a six-month period. (https://prnigeria.com/2025/03/29/muslim-community-protest/?).

“Was it MURIC that wrote that? We have our facts. Afenifere should do its home work very well next time instead of lying.

“We know the antics of our detractors in this region. We can therefore ask Afenifere when it is going to sponsor a non-existing Islamic organization using fake Muslim names to attack MURIC after this?

“When will Afenifere lie to the world that Osama Bin Laden of Al-Qaidah came from his grave, came to Nigeria, visited our office and gave MURIC 100 billion dollars? Our oppressors have tried all sorts of tricks in the past just to get at us. Well, we are waiting and Allah is watching and Verily Indeed, Allah is the best in watching and in laying ambush (Qur’an 89:14).”

#AfenifereLied

#OpeyemiBamidele

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

 

Monday, April 7, 2025

MURIC CONDEMNS DEMOLITION OF 2 MOSQUES IN EKITI

 


7th April, 2025

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC CONDEMNS DEMOLITION OF 2 MOSQUES IN EKITI

Two mosques were pulled down in Aramoko, Ekiti State. While no explanation was given for demolishing the first one, the second was pulled down to give way for a market which is a constituency project of the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.  

Meanwhile the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the demolition of the mosques. The Islamic human rights organization described the action as an onslaught on Islam in Ekiti State.

The group queried the Senate Leader for embarking on war against Muslims in Ekiti State as his constituency project. MURIC charged the politician to reach out to the Muslim community at Aramoko with a view to rebuilding the mosque or remain in the bad books of Nigerian Muslims forever.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday, 7th April, 2025 by the Executive Director of the faith-based civil liberties organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement reads:

“The authorities of Aramoko, Ekiti State, have pulled down two mosques in the town in recent time. The principal actors include the Alara of Aramoko, Oba Adegoke Olu-Adeyemi, the Chairman of Ekiti West Local Government, Hon. Moses Omojola, his Vice, Hon. Isaac Fatoyinbo, a former deputy speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gbenga Odebunmi and Hon. Muyiwa Olabode, the Secretary of the council.

“A short notice was given to the Muslims to vacate their mosque situated at Sabo in Aramoko town for a constituency project of the Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele. Every trick in the books was employed to ensure that the mosque was demolished on 26th March, 2025.

“MURIC strongly decries the destruction of Sabo Central Mosque, Aramoko, Ekiti State. This action smirks of religious intolerance. It is a confirmation of renewed hostility against Yoruba Muslims and reinvigorated onslaught on the religion of Islam in the region. It is a hate action aimed at eliminating Islam not only in the city of Aramoko and Ekiti State but in the entire Yoruba geographical space.

“In particular, we are surprised that a politician of immense exposure at the federal level in the person of no less a personality as Opeyemi Bamidele who has risen to the status of Senate Leader in Nigeria could give the green light to the perpetration of such a dastardly act against a section of his constituents simply because they are Muslims.

“Muslims of Aramoko have been heart-broken since the incident. They are hugely disappointed in the person of the Senate Leader whom they had voted into senate to represent them but who had turned round to deprive them of their place of worship.

“Man is body, soul and spirit. The material provisions of this world can only meet the needs of the body. Our souls and spirits will only be at rest when we commune effectively with Allah. To demolish our mosques for any reason whatsoever without immediate replacement is to deprive our souls and spirits of that much needed spiritual shelter. It is a declaration of war against Allah, our Creator.

“MURIC affirms that the demolition of Sabo Central Mosque for Opeyemi Bamidele’s constituency project breaches Allah-given fundamental human rights of the Muslims of Aramoko. It is also a violation of Section 38(i)&(ii) which guarantees freedom of worship.

“Our question to the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele is this: How can Allah give us one thing and you, a homo sapien, take the same thing from us? Not even in the name of a constituency project should this happen because that mosque has been on that spot at Sabo for donkey years and the Senate Leader knows it.

“It is unacceptable. It is an anti-Muslim act. We are shocked that at your level and with your exposure, you will still embark on war against Muslims in your comfort zone. By their actions, you shall know them.

“But it is not too late. MURIC urges the Senate Leader to reach out to the Muslim community at Aramoko with a view to rebuilding the mosque or remain in the bad books of Nigerian Muslims forever.

“Nigerian Muslims have special regard for their mosques. It is part of their anatomy and their soul. An attack on one mosque is attack on all mosques in the country because they know that anyone who demolishes one mosque will be ready to destroy all other mosques if he has the chance to do so.

“That is why Muslims will be waiting for Opeyemi Bamidele if he ever seeks a federal position unless he rebuilds our Central Mosque at Sabo, Aramoko, Ekiti State. A Senate Leader who cannot protect Muslims and their cherished properties in his constituency cannot be expected to protect the interest of Muslims in Nigeria if he becomes a minister or gets to Aso Rock.

“Meanwhile we appeal to Muslims in the state to remain calm and unperturbed. Islam is a religion of peace and we expect every Muslim to be a good ambassador of his or her religion.”

#AramokoCentralMosque

#SenateLeaderOpeyemiBamidele

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).