Muslim Rights Concern raises alarm over ‘Persistent anti-Muslim bias’ in Oyo State

Michael Olumide

Oyo State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused Christian officials in the state government of engaging in what it describes as persistent, systemic, and deliberate acts of religious persecution against Muslims.

The allegations were contained in a press statement delivered by the chapter’s Secretary, Ambassador Ibrahim Agunbiade, at a world press conference held in Ibadan.

Addressing Muslim leaders, journalists and civil society observers, Agunbiade said MURIC was “calling the attention of the whole world to the continuous violations of the religious rights of Muslims in Oyo State.”

He asserted that although religious tension had existed under previous administrations, “the worst forms of victimisation” were occurring under the current government.

MURIC alleged that despite being public institutions, some state-owned primary and secondary schools continue to seize hijabs from Muslim girls, even after the government issued directives intended to curb the practice.

Parents reportedly lodged numerous complaints about teachers confiscating hijabs or preventing students from wearing them.

Agunbiade said non-compliance by school administrators, combined with the government’s failure to enforce its directive, suggests “official complicity.”

The organisation also accused some schools in Oyo State of defying the Supreme Court’s ruling which affirmed the right of Muslim girls to wear the hijab.

According to the group, the state government has “looked the other way,” thereby enabling what they describe as contempt of court.

MURIC claimed that while the state initially complied with a National Council on Education (NCE) directive to teach Islamic Studies, Christian Religious Knowledge and History in all public schools, it later reversed itself.

The group argues that this reversal enables schools to sideline Islamic Studies and “under-educate Muslim students about their faith.”

According to the statement, some Muslim students are allegedly taken to Christian evangelical gatherings under the guise of empowerment programmes.

MURIC describes this as an “immoral and illegal” attempt at forced conversion.

MURIC expressed concern over what it describes as disproportionate appointment patterns, claiming that Christians dominate key positions despite the large Muslim population in Oyo State.

Agunbiade cited the example of commissioner appointments, saying Christians received ten slots while Muslims received six, a distribution he described as “lopsided and unfair.”

The group criticised the state for not establishing any Shari’ah court, despite appeals from the Muslim community.

MURIC argued that this deprives Muslims of lawful access to Shari’ah personal law services, which are recognised under Nigeria’s legal framework.

MURIC referenced past incidents, including one at St. Anne’s School, Molete in December 2022, where Muslim students were allegedly compelled to participate in Christmas carol activities.

The group described such practices as violations of students’ religious freedom.

The statement alleged that nursing schools across Oyo State have repeatedly subjected Muslim students to discriminatory regulations, though specifics were not detailed in the press briefing.

Agunbiade also accused the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) of inserting biblical questions into recruitment examinations in 2022.

He said this amounted to “manipulating the process to favour Christian candidates,” undermining merit and fairness.

MURIC further alleged that officials, including Governor Seyi Makinde, often schedule official events, examinations and meetings during Friday Jumu’ah prayer hours, making it difficult for Muslims to observe their religious obligations.

Agunbiade further said the pattern of actions outlined in the report amounted to “vicious persecution and victimisation” of Muslims in Oyo State and South West Nigeria.

He called on federal authorities, human rights bodies, religious leaders and the international community to investigate the claims and ensure protection of the constitutional rights of Muslims.

MURIC urged the state government to correct alleged imbalances, enforce rulings on hijab, ensure equal access to religious education, and guarantee freedom of worship for all residents.