By Fatima Abubakar
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has raised strong objections to the programme of events released for the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadan, ex-Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, described it as insensitive to the Muslim community.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Islamic human rights group alleged that the programme failed to give consideration to the Friday Jumu’ah prayer despite fixing the main coronation ceremony for Friday, September 26, 2025, at 9 a.m.
MURIC argued that while a Christian thanksgiving service was conspicuously included in the itinerary for Sunday, September 28, no provision was made for Friday prayers, even though a reception was scheduled for 1 p.m. on the same Friday a time Muslims are expected to be in mosques for Jumu’ah.
“The total alienation of the Friday Jumu’ah prayer from the coronation programme is repulsive, provocative, insensitive, and therefore unacceptable. This programme strangulates the Muslim Friday prayer,” Akintola stated.
The group further accused the Oyo State Government of complicity, noted that similar incidents had occurred in the past during official programmes attended by Governor Seyi Makinde. It recalled that during the commissioning of a road project in Iseyin in September 2023 and the coronation of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, in July 2024, Muslim participants were unable to observe their prayers due to delays caused by the governor’s late arrival.
MURIC therefore called on the coronation committee to review the schedule to reflect the sensitivities of the Muslim community. It suggested that, just as a Christian thanksgiving was included, a special Jumu’ah service should be recognized. The group also proposed that the coronation itself be shifted to Saturday, September 27, 2025, to avoid any clash.
“Saturday is the best day for the coronation ceremony as it would relieve the planners of any form of pressure while seeking to avoid a clash between the coronation and the Friday Jumu’ah service. The reception can follow immediately,” MURIC said.
