SOYINKA CENTER: SOYINKA DESERVES THE HONOUR – MURIC

 

2^nd October, 2025

PRESS RELEASE:

SOYINKA CENTER: SOYINKA DESERVES THE HONOUR – MURIC

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has endorsed the naming of the National Arts Theater, Iganmu, Lagos, after renowned Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka. The group declared that he is eminently qualified for the honour. 

MURIC's endorsement was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, 2nd October, 2025 by the Founder and Executive Director of the Muslim rights advocacy group, Professor Ishaq Akintola 

The statement reads:

"The renovated National Arts Theater, Iganmu, Lagos, was renamed after Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, yesterday, Wednesday, 1st October, 2025. The national monument was first opened in 1976 when Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was a military head of state (tvcnews.tv/why-i-accepted-national-theatre-renaming-wole-soyinka/). 

"We fully endorse this action. Professor Wole Soyinka deserves the honour a hundred times over as there is no living Nigerian who has struggled for and promoted democratic ideals like him in this country. 

"A globally acknowledged intellectual and activist par excellence, Wole Soyinka comes across as a most courageous personality with clear cut goals. His resilience is bottomless. His ability to mobilise and strategize is legendary. 

"This is not sycophancy. We are simply testifying to incidents and circumstances to which we have been eyewitnesses. We also believe in honouring our heroes while they are alive. Soyinka has sacrificed so much that Nigeria cannot pay him back in full.

“We are obliged to speak up today because we are living witnesses and the fact that he is not a Muslim like us should not stop us from giving our testimony. It should not always be about religion. Humanity also matters. Besides, we must also answer the call of conscience.

"Based on instructions which cascaded down to activists fighting the military cabal at the time, MURIC leaders had occasion to see Professor Wole Soyinka in real action and physically too in the field of aluta. 

"In the twilight of the year 1993, while carrying out the order to engage in civil disobedience over the criminal, irrational and unjust annulment of the fairest, most peaceful and most orderly presidential election of June 12, 1993, MURIC leaders who were manning Iyana Iba to Isheri axis of Lagos State had an encounter with this enigmatic personality, Professor Wole Soyinka. 

"The roads had been blocked with disused tyres, huge stones and woods to disallow mobile policemen who were patrolling the area from gaining easy access when a motorcycle rider appeared with one passenger. We thought they were spies for the illegal Abacha regime. But the man on the back seat was Professor Soyinka himself. 

"His appearance was electrifying. A new dose of motivation was immediately injected into our veins. We hailed him as he gave further instructions. No police vehicle passed the zone that day without being welcomed with a barrage of pebbles.  

“Not only that. Soyinka is one of the few living Nigerian leaders who was known to have confronted the military. He battled generals Ibrahim Babangida, Sanni Abacha and Abdul Salaam to a standstill. Yet his battles with bad rulers was not limited to the military alone. He fought bad civilian rulers too. He hated dictators in power. He despised ineptitude in leadership. He treated kleptomaniacs like lepers.

“He is known to have single-handedly stormed the radio station in Ibadan to disrupt a live broadcast being made by the premier of the Western Region at the time, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola. He is also credited with the establishment of Radio Kudirat overseas to counter the propaganda of the totalitarian military regime.

"Such was Soyinka, a fearless and exemplary leader. A generalissimo primus inter pareil. Who else deserves getting the National Theater renamed after him except Soyinka the lion heart? 

"MURIC congratulates this gargantuan intellectual figure on the occasion of naming Nigeria's most prestigious national monument of art after him. In like manner, we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his marksmanship. He got it right. Soyinka it is."

#PresidentTinubu

#WoleSoyinka

#SoyinkaItIs

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

 

FG SHOULD PROTECT DANGOTE REFINERY – MURIC

 

29^th September, 2025

PRESS RELEASE:

FG SHOULD PROTECT DANGOTE REFINERY – MURIC

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has decided to go on strike from today as a result of trade dispute with the Dangote Refinery over allegation of mass dismissal of about 800 Nigerian workers.  

Meanwhile an Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has told oil workers to leave Dangote Refinery alone. The group accused the leadership of PENGASSAN of putting the welfare of more than 250 million Nigerians in jeopardy because of an infinitesimal minority. It therefore called on the Federal Government to protect Dangote Refinery from the overbearing influence of the oil workers union.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday, 29^th September, 2025 by the Executive Director of the faith-based rights advocacy group, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement reads:

“Oil workers under the aegis of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have decided to go on strike from today, Monday, 29^th September, 2025 as a result of a trade dispute with the Dangote Refinery over allegation of mass dismissal of about 800 Nigerian workers (https://punchng.com/dangote-refinery-pengassan-declares-nationwide-strike-starting-monday/#google_vignette).  

“In our candid opinion, this strike is absolutely unnecessary. It appears there are other hidden motives. Going by what Nigeria went through in terms of decades of fuel shortages, long queues at petrol stations, high price of fuel which often ignited sudden rise in the prices of goods and services, etc, PENGASSAN should have considered the impact on Nigerians before deciding to go on strike.

“It is a narrow-minded, parochial and unpatriotic decision. It is equally a most unpopular step and Nigerians from different walks of life have expressed their disapproval of the strike.

“The examples of other trade unions which allow private institutions to function without interruption have been cited. Among those mentioned is the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) which allows private universities like Crescent University, Summit University, Al-Hikmah University and others to function without interference.

“Another example is the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) which does not poke its nose into the running of transport companies using luxurious buses like ‘God Is Good’, GUO and Ekeson. Neither do their drivers join the national body of drivers’ union.  

“Ditto for the National Union of Teachers (NUT). This is the trade union of teachers in both primary and secondary schools throughout the country. NUT does not go after thousands of private nursery, primary and secondary schools operating in Nigeria.

“We therefore call on the Federal Government to protect Dangote Refinery from the excesses of PENGASSAN and any other external workers union. Our call is hinged on the interest and general welfare of Nigerian citizens as well as that of the Nigerian economy.

“Both foreign and local investors need the guarantee of safety from union hawks. The recklessness of union leaders is capable of totally neutralizing the laudable efforts being made by FG to attract foreign investment.

“It also behoves FG to treat Dangote Refinery as a priority project of the Nigerian oil sector which has started stabilizing the dollar, feeding local oil needs and providing jobs.

“The impact of Dangote Refinery is already being felt throughout the world thereby earning tons of respect for Nigeria in the comity of nations. Already, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has confirmed that Dangote Refinery is pushing its European counterparts which hitherto serviced the Nigerian market out of business (https://businessday.ng/energy/article/more-european-refineries-struggle-as-dangote-ramps-up-output/).

“The fact that this refinery has been able to bring the price of petrol down should also be considered. This is a factor that can assist FG in controlling Nigeria’s inflation.

“It is unthinkable that a fellow Nigerian will invest $23 billion in a 650,000 barrels per day refinery aimed at ameliorating the sufferings of the Nigerian masses only for a workers’ union from outside to dictate outrageous terms to him. Such a union should be treated as an economic saboteur. It is high time FG cut the wings of extremist union leaders. Times like this call for strong leadership. FG must be decisive.

“PENGASSAN must be told in clear, unequivocal and emphatic terms to leave the only working oil refinery in Nigeria alone. This should not be too difficult for the union unless it is working for foreign interests.

“PENGASSAN leadership has put the welfare of more than 250 million Nigerians in jeopardy because of self-interest and an infinitesimal minority working in Dangote Refinery whose number is below 1,000. This strike is anti-people. Leave Dangote alone.”

#FederalGovernment

#ProtectDangoteRefinery

#NoToPengassanStrike

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

 

LAGOS TUTOR GENERALS WITHOUT MUSLIMS UNACCEPTABLE – MURIC

 

25^th September, 2025

PRESS RELEASE:

LAGOS TUTOR GENERALS WITHOUT MUSLIMS UNACCEPTABLE – MURIC

Sequel to the clarification that there are four practicing Muslims among the nine permanent secretaries appointed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State two days ago, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has demanded that there should also be at least three Muslims among the six tutor generals in the six educational districts of Lagos State.

The clarification was made on Thursday 25th September, 2025 by Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Executive Director of MURIC.

He said:

"Sequel to the clarification that there are four practicing Muslims among the nine permanent secretaries appointed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State two days ago, our attention has turned to another issue of monopoly cum marginalisation in the same Lagos State with Muslims at the receiving end.

"It has been noted that the present design of the six educational districts in the state is for six Christian tutor generals. We assert that this will not truly reflect a fair share of the dividends of democracy among the good people of Lagos State. Afterall Muslims also voted for Governor Sanwo-Olu (https://von.gov.ng/muric-supports-governor-sanwo-olu-for-second-term/).

"Only fair sharing can promote peaceful coexistence. There can be no genuine togetherness or sense of belonging where one group is given the licence for monopoly while the other is marginalized.

"Therefore, in order to move Lagos forward and to engender enduring peace, a cosmopolitan city like Lagos with diverse cultures should not concentrate all appointments in the coffers of only one group.

"Our position is that there should be at least three Muslims among the six tutor generals in the six educational districts of Lagos State. We believe in equal rights. Sharing is loving. We reject monopoly and marginalisation. We have more than enough eminently qualified Muslims for those positions.

Besides, Lagos should not be advocating religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence but acting the opposite and dividing the populace with its actions. For how can the Lagos society be happy and united when only one group is satisfied while the other grumbles. Our people say, ‘Ajoje o dun benikan o ni’, i.e. ‘We can only be happy together if we are all comfortable’.

"We suspect that different procrastination and bureaucratic gimmicks are being employed to ensure that Muslims in the civil service do not occupy headship positions.

"Sometimes appointments are delayed until Muslims who are qualified for the positions reach retirement age. At other times, Muslims who qualify for promotion to the highest civil service level (grade 17) are denied promotion to that level until they retire. It is a waiting game. This wicked practice has to stop.

#GovernorSanwoOlu

#SixEducationalDistricts

#ThreeByThree

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

 

SANWO-OLU MUST EXPLAIN ‘ALL-CHRISTIAN’ PERMANENT SECRETARIES – MURIC

 

25^th September, 2025

PRESS RELEASE:

SANWO-OLU MUST EXPLAIN ‘ALL-CHRISTIAN’ PERMANENT SECRETARIES – MURIC  

A faith-based rights advocacy group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has demanded explanation from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State after the latter appointed an ‘all-Christian’ set of permanent secretaries. The group accused the governor of religious intolerance, administrative exclusivity and disregard for constitutional provisions.

MURIC’s interrogation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, 25^th September, 2025 by the Executive Director of the group, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement reads:

“The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, appointed a new set of nine permanent secretaries (also called tutor generals) on Tuesday, 23^rd September,  2025. The appointments were announced in a circular released by the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro.

“The list has ignited widespread discontent among Muslims in the state and beyond for lacking religious balance. In particular, there are allegations that even the few Muslim names on the list belong to those who have left the Islamic faith.

“This is where the governor needs to sit down with leaders of the Muslim community of Lagos State for clarification. Afterall, government is expected to carry the citizens along. But if Governor Sanwo-Olu fails to do that, Lagos Muslims must seek an alternative political ally.

“The new appointment is a reflection of religious intolerance, administrative exclusivity and disregard for constitutional provisions. Sanwo-Olu continues to breach the Constitution, the grund num, particularly with his political appointments. He marginalizes Muslims at will. Recall that he appointed only 14 Muslims as commissioners while Christians had 43 (https://thesourceng.com/again-muric-rejects-sanwo-olus-new-commissioner-nominees-alleges-poor-muslim-representation/).

“Section 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stipulates that ‘The composition of the Government of the Federation, a State, a local government council, or any of the agencies of such Government or council, and the conduct of the affairs of the Government or council or such agencies shall be carried out in such manner as to recognise the diversity of the people within its area of authority and the need to promote a sense of belonging and loyalty among all the people of the Federation’

“Has Sanwo-Olu’s latest appointments complied with the above provision? Does the appointment of six Christian tutor generals into all the six education districts ‘recognise the diversity of the people’ of Lagos State? Are Muslims not major stakeholders in the affairs of Lagos State or are we just ordinary dots in Lagos social statistics?

“Governor Sanwo-Olu has always failed the inclusivity test. He failed it big time this time around. He has a duty to explain his latest ‘all-Christian’ permanent secretaries.

“The actions of rulers are subject to interrogation by the citizens. That is what makes democracy tick. That is accountability. This does not look like good governance at all. If Sanwo-Olu plays the impunity card on this, Lagos Muslims must look elsewhere for political relevance.”

#GovernorSanwoOlu

#NinePermanentSecretaries

#Accountability

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

 

STOP FORCING IFE MUSLIMS TO PAY ISESE LEVIES – MURIC

 

22^nd September, 2025

PRESS RELEASE:

STOP FORCING IFE MUSLIMS TO PAY ISESE LEVIES – MURIC  

An appeal has gone to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, to stop his palace agents from forcing Muslims in Ile Ife markets to pay levies illegally imposed for the celebration of Olojo, a traditional festival. Making the appeal on Monday, 22^nd September, 2025 was the Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Ishaq Akintola.

He said:

“The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has received a report of economic extortion, religious persecution, harassment, intimidation and coercion spanning more than five years forwarded by a trade union under the aegis of Artisans, Peasants and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN), Ile-Ife branch, Osun State.

“APTAN has alleged that agents of the palace of the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, invaded their stalls at Oja Tuntun Otisese Weekly Market on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 to forcefully demand levies imposed for the celebration of Olojo, a traditional festival celebrated annually in Ile-Ife.

“During the invasion, precious goods were seized in the shops of Muslim traders who refused to pay illegal Olojo levies. For example, a monique with cloth was seized in Mrs. Aisha Ogundare’s shop, Mrs. Balikis Elureni lost 2.5 liters of vegetable oil while another 5 liters of vegetable oil was ‘commandeered’  in the shop of Mrs. Akande Moridiyah.  Several other traders also suffered painful losses in the hands of the invaders who allegedly came from the palace.

“APTAN’s statement was signed by its Ife branch Coordinator, Comrade Adegoke Saidi, Comrade Monsur Jimoh and Comrade Banjo Isiaq, Secretary and Welfare Officer respectively.

“MURIC strongly condemns this invasion and the seizures. Apart from being illegal and unlawful, it is daylight robbery. It is also a deliberate attempt to impoverish poor Muslim traders who are struggling to survive in these hard times. It is wicked, inhuman and insensitive.

 

“Neville Chamberlain, former British Prime Minister from May 1937 to May 1940, once identified five evils: brute force, bad faith, injustice, oppression and persecution. These are signs of evil that have all manifested here against innocent Muslim petty traders.  

 

“This phenomenon has exposed the intolerance of Isese practioners as they target poor Muslim petty traders for economic extortion, religious persecution, harassment, intimidation and coercion. In saner climes, only the adherents of a particular religion should pay levies imposed by the religious leaders. But in Ile Ife, innocent Muslim traders are being forcefully taxed for a traditional festival.

 

“Now, to forcefully collect levies for a traditional festival from Muslims and to go as far as seizing goods in the shops of Muslims for refusing to pay constitutes an encroachment on Allah-given fundamental human rights of such Muslims.

 

“This invasion vehemently articulates what awaits Muslims in a Yoruba Republic where Isese is most likely to be treated like a state religion while other faiths are relegated to the background. Isese priests will call the shots while adherents of other religions will be treated like slaves. The handwriting is on the wall.

 

“These are not mere conjectures. Muslims were forcefully initiated into Awo Opa Cult in Ikorodu in 2022 and heaven did not fall (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/01/forceful-initiation-of-muslims-into-awo-opa-cult-in-lagos-are-traditionalists-above-the-law-opinion/).

 

“It is an open secret that traditionalists in the South West impose curfew on whole cities at their whims and caprices and nobody has ever stopped them. We have more than enough evidence to show how they attack Imams and Muslim worshippers inside mosques in different Yoruba towns at will.

 

“MURIC appeals to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II to call his palace agents to order. Although they are most likely acting on their own, the demonstration of incontestable royal will to assert authority, discipline, law and order by his Imperial Majesty will return confidence among Muslim petty traders.

 

“We demand justice for the oppressed Muslim petty traders. The suspects have been identified as Mr. Efunwole Kola, Mr. Sogo Olagbaju and Mr. Hezekiah Agunbiade. These extortionists must be made to return the seized goods. Ooni could not have sent them. Kabiyesi is a man of peace and justice. The parasites must be brought to book to clear Ooni’s good name.”

#IleIfeMarketExtortion

#JusticeForMuslimTraders

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

 

FLOOD: ERECT CAMPING SITES IN HIGH RISE AREAS – MURIC

 

20^th September, 2025

PRESS RELEASE:

FLOOD: ERECT CAMPING SITES IN HIGH RISE AREAS – MURIC  

As floods devastate Nigerian communities, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has charged state and local governments to erect camping sites in high rise areas in readiness for people who are forced to evacuate. The group argued that it is not enough to warn citizens that flood is approaching, good governance demands that government should prepare camping sites for the people.

This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday, 20^th September, 2025 by the Executive Director of the group, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The full statement reads:

“Although Allah has been kind to Nigeria regarding natural disasters such that the country does not experience tragedies the way other countries are exposed to them, floods in the raining season are becoming a serious concern as they cause high death tolls and severe damages.

“151 people were killed in the flood which devastated the city of Mokwa, Niger State in May 2025. Apart from the high death toll, 265 houses were destroyed while 3,018 people were rendered homeless in the global warmth induced disaster (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/31/nigeria-floods-death-toll-crosses-150-as-thousands-displaced). Sadly, the death toll reportedly rose to 700 on 2^nd June, 2025 (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c071jz90pj8o).

“Earlier between September and October 2022, more than 600 people died after torrential rains caused the most devastating incident of seasonal floods around the country in decades. More than 1.3 million people were displaced (https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/10/nigeria-flood-rain-climate/).

“It is on record that both the federal and state governments are known to frequently issue warnings to citizens asking them to evacuate for fear of flood (https://punchng.com/fg-predicts-fresh-flooding-in-lagos-13-others/; https://www.tvcnews.tv/ogun-govt-lists-flood-prone-areas-sends-warning-to-residents/).

“The concern of the Muslim Rights Concern in this conversation is that although people are told to go to high rise areas as flood is being expected, they have never been told where to go exactly. Fear and anxiety rent the air as citizens wonder where to evacuate to.

“We assert clearly, categorically and emphatically that it is not enough to send warnings to residents. They should be directed to safer places prepared by the government. That is good governance.

“We therefore call on both the state and local governments in Nigeria to set up camps with mattresses and other essentials and to direct people to go there in times of floods. Such camps should be ready before heavy rains begin. The time for this is now. To fail to prepare is to prepare to fail.

“Neither should states and local governments leave this task to the federal government. Nigerians should approach their state and local governments about the locations of camps. We should stop relying on the Federal Government alone particularly now that both tiers are receiving huge amounts of money.”

#StateGovernments

#LocalGovernments

#ErectFloodCamps

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

 

MURIC TO ALAAFIN: NO LAW GIVES YOU EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO APPOINT CHIEF IMAM

 

17^th September, 2025

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC TO ALAAFIN: NO LAW GIVES YOU EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO APPOINT CHIEF IMAM

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade claimed yesterday that he had the exclusive right to appoint the Chief Imam of Oyo town. But an Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has rejected the claim. The group argued that what the Alaafin called his exclusive right is a baseless priviledge now being abused by traditional rulers in Yorubaland.

MURIC’s reaction was contained in a press release issued on Wednesday, 17^th September, 2025 by its executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement reads:

“The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade claimed yesterday that he had the exclusive right to appoint the Chief Imam of Oyo town. The claim was contained in  a statement issued by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, on Monday, September 15, 2025 (https://dailyobserver.ng/alaafin-declares-exclusive-right-to-appoint-oyo-chief-imam/).

 

“We reject this statement. It is false, baseless and without any legal backing. What the Alaafin called his exclusive right is a baseless priviledge now being abused by traditional rulers in Yorubaland. Alaafin is being economical with the truth.

“We challenge the Alaafin to produce the legal instrument that empowers him to appoint the Chief Imam for Oyo Muslim Community.

“Alaafin’s claim is illogical, irrational and laughable. If he has the power to appoint the Chief Imam, does he also have the power to appoint the bishop of Oyo? Now, if he has no power to appoint the bishop, he cannot claim the power to appoint the Chief Imam.

“If he is relying on tradition, there is a difference between tradition and what the law says. By the way, what kind of tradition enslaves Muslims but gives Christians freedom. We reject a tradition that puts Muslims in chains. Muslims are not slaves. The king should respect himself and know his limits so that he can be adequately respected. Nigeria is not a monarchy. It is a democracy.

“Priviledges enjoyed by past kings do not constitute any right by any stretch of imagination. The tradition in the past was to trek to Makkah on foot. That has been abandoned. The incumbent Alaafin should stop clinging to a comatose practice.

 

“Alaafin’s pedigree has already deprived him of any right to determine the destiny of Muslims of Oyo town. As a pastor he has no moral right to dictate who should lead the Muslims in Oyo. He himself should know this. We demand that he respects the sensibilities of his Muslim subjects. We are waiting to see how far he is committed to the pursuit of peace, justice and fairness in his domain.

“We reject an entitlement mentality based on sheer feudalistic sentiment, superiority complex and undue class distinction. Muslims are born free and they have the right to appoint their own leaders without external interference. We reject any system that seeks to enslave Muslims by imposing an Imam on them. It is totally wrong.

“The Alaafin reportedly said, ‘It should be noted that only His Imperial Majesty has the exclusive preserve to appoint a new Chief Imam for the town’. This statement smirks of over-bloated colonial mentality and empty feudal overlordship. It is provocative, preposterous and detestable. Under the law, it is ultra vires, null and void.

 

“Our position is that the Alaafin can bless anyone picked by the Muslim Community of Oyo town as the Chief Imam. This is in recognition of the fact that he is the king of the town. We expect the Muslim Community of Oyo town to consult the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), the umbrella organization of all Islamic associations of Yorubaland.

 

“The Muslim Community should present only one candidate, not two, not three, to the Alaafin and back its choice with an official letter in which the new Imam’s name is conspicuously written to avoid any chance of manipulation. The Alaafin’s blessing of their choice is not mandatory. It is a euphemism for passing information.

 

“To the Alaafin, Kabiyesi, Your Imperial Majesty, you are the king over the whole of Oyo. You are king over the Muslims, the Christians and the traditionalists. Each group chooses its own leader. No law gives you exclusive right to choose the Chief Imam. Otherwise, show us evidence that you picked the bishop. If you cannot pick the bishop, how can you pick the Imam? Stop impugning our dignity. Respect begets respect.”

 

#NoToAlaafinChiefImam

#ChiefImamOnlyByMuslims

#OyoMuslimsWakeUp

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).