Oyo hijab verdict: MURIC applauds court, urges state government to comply without delay

Michael Olumide Alabi

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, has applauded a landmark judgment of the High Court of Justice, Iyaganku, Ibadan, affirming the constitutional right of female Muslim students to wear the Islamic hijab in all government-owned public schools across Oyo State.

The group described the judgment as a significant victory for constitutionalism, justice, the rule of law, religious freedom and the protection of fundamental human rights in Nigeria.

The judgment was delivered on Monday, July 20, 2026, by the High Court of Justice, Iyaganku, Ibadan, presided over by Hon. Justice Y. S. Adekunle, in Suit No. I/47/2026: Sumaiya Ayanrinde & 4 Ors. v. Governor of Oyo State & 3 Ors.

MURIC’s position was contained in a statement issued by its General Secretary, Oyo State Chapter, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade.

According to the organisation, the judgment has affirmed that female Muslim students in government-owned public schools, including schools historically associated with missionary ownership, have a constitutional right to wear the hijab as part of their religious practice.

MURIC said the ruling represented a major step forward in the protection of fundamental rights and demonstrated the importance of the judiciary in upholding the provisions of the Constitution.

The organisation noted that the court had held that the directive prohibiting female Muslim students from wearing the hijab in government-owned public schools violated their constitutional rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom from discrimination, and the right to education.

The group further welcomed the court’s position that government-owned schools must operate as secular and impartial institutions and should not be used to discriminate against or exclude students based on their religious beliefs.

MURIC said the historical names or origins of schools could not override the constitutional obligations of government-owned institutions to treat students fairly and without religious bias.

Of particular significance, the organisation said, was the court’s directive requiring the Oyo State Government to issue an official circular to all government-owned public schools, permitting eligible female Muslim students to wear the hijab as part of their approved school uniform.

The group also commended the court for granting a perpetual injunction restraining further enforcement of the policy that prohibited the wearing of hijab, describing the order as a strong reaffirmation of the supremacy of the Constitution over discriminatory administrative practices.

MURIC congratulated the Muslim parents, guardians and students who, according to the organisation, demonstrated courage and perseverance in pursuing the matter through lawful means.

The group said their patience and confidence in the judiciary had ultimately contributed to the historic outcome.

“MURIC congratulates the courageous Muslim parents, guardians and students whose determination to seek justice through lawful means has culminated in this historic judgment. Their patience, perseverance and unwavering confidence in the judiciary have been richly rewarded,” the statement said.

The organisation also commended the legal team led by Barrister Kazeem Gbadamosi, SAN, alongside other counsel who participated in the legal battle.

MURIC described the lawyers’ efforts as a demonstration of professional diligence and commitment to the defence of constitutional rights, justice and democratic values.

The group also praised Hon. Justice Y. S. Adekunle for what it described as a well-considered judgment, saying the decision would further strengthen public confidence in the Nigerian judiciary.

MURIC urged the Oyo State Government to comply fully and promptly with all aspects of the judgment, particularly the directive to issue the necessary circulars and instructions to relevant education authorities and administrators of government-owned public schools.

According to the organisation, compliance with valid court orders is an essential component of democratic governance and respect for the rule of law.

The group also appealed to school administrators, teachers, parents and members of the public to respond to the judgment with maturity, tolerance and mutual respect.

MURIC stressed that the judgment should not be interpreted as a victory of one religion over another but as a reaffirmation of the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to practise his or her religion without fear, intimidation or discrimination.

The organisation called on the Muslim community in Oyo State to celebrate the judgment peacefully and responsibly, while remaining within the ambit of the law.

It urged members of the community to continue to embrace dialogue, lawful engagement and confidence in the judiciary as effective mechanisms for resolving disputes in a democratic society.

MURIC expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for what it described as the delivery of justice after years of perseverance, while praying for continued guidance for Nigeria’s leaders and the judiciary.

The organisation also prayed for the preservation of peace, religious harmony and peaceful coexistence in Oyo State and across Nigeria.

The statement concluded with a quotation from the Qur’an: “Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence and kindness…” (Qur’an 16:90).