The Oyo State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused state officials of systematically persecuting Muslims, raising concerns over violations of religious freedoms in education, politics, and public life.
The allegations were presented by Ambassador Ibrahim Agunbiade, Secretary of MURIC Oyo State chapter, during a press briefing on Thursday, November 20, 2025. He claimed that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has allowed, and in some cases facilitated, actions that undermine Muslim rights and restrict their participation in key aspects of public life.
According to MURIC, female Muslim students in government schools continue to face harassment over wearing the hijab, despite Supreme Court rulings affirming their right to wear it. The group also alleged that Islamic Studies have been neglected in schools, Muslim students are forced into Christian programmes, and recruitment processes, including the 2022 TESCOM examinations, are skewed in favour of Christians.
Other claims include the absence of Shari’ah courts in the state, mandatory participation of Muslim students in Christmas carols, and the scheduling of official functions during Friday prayers, which MURIC says violates constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
Ambassador Agunbiade called on the Oyo State government and national authorities to address these issues, warning that unchecked persecution could fuel religious tension and threaten social cohesion in the state.
