Oyo: Muslims Vow To Take Major Action as Masqurades Attack Top Imam, "You Have No Right"

• MPAC strongly condemned the assault on an Imam by a masquerade in Ogbomoso, calling it a violation of rights
• The group warned against growing cultural impunity in the South-West, stressing that no traditional or religious body can override Nigerians' constitutional rights
• MPAC demanded police investigation and prosecution, urging the Oyo state Government to regulate masquerade festivals to prevent further violations

Ibadan, Oyo state - The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has condemned the recent attack on an Imam by a violent masquerade in Ogbomoso, Oyo state, describing it as a serious violation of rights and an unacceptable form of cultural intimidation.

Oyo: Imam assaulted by masquerade in public

The shocking incident occurred a few days ago at Oja’gbo, Ogbomoso, when a masquerade known as Lobanika, wielding a cane, forcefully removed the cap of an Imam who was passing on a motorcycle.

Eyewitnesses said the Imam remained calm throughout the encounter and did nothing to provoke the masquerader, who reportedly returned after the act to observe the Imam’s reaction, Daily Trust reported.

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The assault has drawn condemnation from several Islamic leaders in the region, including the Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Shaykh Teliat Ayilara.

Muslims: 'This is cultural aggression'

Reacting to the incident, MPAC, a leading Muslim advocacy group, described it as a “brazen disregard for civil norms and individual rights,” warning that such behaviour reflects a growing trend of “cultural impunity and aggression” in the South-West.

In a strongly worded statement, MPAC Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, said:

“This deeply disturbing incident is not an isolated case. It follows a growing pattern of cultural impunity and aggression, most recently evidenced by a public announcement issued by the Oloolu masquerade group in Ibadan, which warned women to stay off designated areas and imposed a compulsory dress code on all men within the vicinity of its procession.”

Rights cannot be suspended by tradition, says MPAC

MPAC argued that no cultural or traditional group has the authority to impose rules on public movement or personal dress, stressing that such actions are unconstitutional and oppressive, Vanguard reported.

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“The declarations of suspension of freedom of movement and imposition of a dress code on the general public are not only unconstitutional but dangerously authoritarian,” Kamor said.

He added:

“No group, cultural, traditional, or religious, has the authority to suspend or curtail the rights of Nigerian citizens under any guise.”

He reminded the public that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees the freedom of movement, association, and religious expression to all citizens.

MPAC calls for justice and regulation

MPAC has called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately investigate the assault and prosecute Lobanika and any accomplices involved.

The group also demanded that the Oyo state government take swift action to regulate masquerade festivals to prevent further rights violations.

“We call on Muslims and all law-abiding citizens to remain peaceful, vigilant, and resilient in the face of such provocations.

“However, our patience must never be mistaken for powerlessness, nor our silence for submission to injustice," the statement added.

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MPAC: Cultural celebration must not mean oppression

The Muslim group insisted that while cultural expression is welcome in a diverse society like Nigeria, it must not be allowed to trample on the rights and dignity of others.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and no group is above the law. Cultural celebration must not become an instrument of oppression or a shield for unlawful conduct.”

Oyo as popular radio presenter loses life

Previously, Legit.ng reported that an Ibadan-based On Air Personality with Pensioner's FM, Folakemi Odeyemi, loses her life on the damaged Liberty-Academy road along Idi-Iroko-Adewole, Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo state.

Odeyemi was being rushed to the hospital, after which the vehicle in which she was being transported got stuck on the damaged road, where she died after delayed medical attention.

Source: Legit.ng