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Muslim Rights Organisation Supports Isese Day Holiday with Conditions

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed support for the Isese Day holiday granted to the Yoruba traditionalists, emphasizing that such recognition is within their rights. However, the organisation has also called on the traditionalists to address issues of lawlessness and human rights violations associated with their celebrations.

Traditionalists in the South West of Nigeria commemorated the Isese Day yesterday across various states. This event has sparked discussions about the need for the Federal Government to recognize August 21st and 22nd as national holidays for the Isese festival. MURIC, an organisation focused on protecting the rights of Muslims and Islam in Nigeria, has stated that there is no inherent issue with the traditionalists requesting a public holiday, provided certain conditions are met.

MURIC’s Stance on Public Holidays for Isese Believers

Speaking with a correspondent from panturatraveler.com.ng, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, the General Secretary of MURIC, explained that the organisation supports the granting of the Isese holiday but with specific conditions attached. He emphasized that while the government's decision to grant the holiday does not pose a threat to Muslims or other religious groups, the traditionalists must respect the rights of others.

Agunbiade clarified that MURIC's position was misinterpreted by some media outlets, prompting the organisation to issue a statement to clarify its stance. The conditions include stopping illegal curfews, respecting the movement of people, protecting women's rights, and ceasing the ritual killing of humans for sacrifices.

He reiterated that MURIC supports the holiday as long as it aligns with human rights principles and Quranic teachings, provided it does not infringe upon the rights of others. The organisation has outlined several key points that need to be addressed:

  • No more illegal curfews
  • No unlawful restrictions on people's movements, especially during Oro festivals
  • No violations of women's rights
  • No public flogging of innocent Nigerians by masquerades
  • No killing of humans for ritual sacrifices

A History of Rights Violations

According to MURIC, Isese followers have a history of violating people's rights during their festivals. Unlike Muslims and Christians, who do not impose restrictions on the general public during worship or celebrations, traditionalists have been accused of committing these acts repeatedly. Despite numerous complaints, governments and security agencies in the South West have often ignored these concerns.

Agunbiade highlighted that while it is fair for everyone to express their religious beliefs as enshrined in the constitution, it is selfish to prevent others from doing the same. He noted that Islam teaches tolerance, and preventing others from practising their religion contradicts this principle.

Advice to the Federal Government

MURIC's executive director has advised the Nigerian government to exercise caution in granting the Isese Day holiday until the traditionalists sign a peace accord to stop infringing on other people's rights. The organisation has urged the government not to grant the demand for Isese Day unless there is a written commitment to address the serial infringements mentioned.

Agunbiade posed a rhetorical question: "Isese Day: to be or not to be? That is the question. The ball is in Isese’s court."

He pointed out that historical records and internet links show attacks launched by Isese adherents on Christians in churches and Muslims in mosques. These actions have raised concerns about the potential outbreak of a major religious crisis in Yorubaland.

Support for Traditionalists' Religious Celebrations

Despite these concerns, MURIC has declared its support for the traditionalists' demand for their own holidays to be known as Isese Day. The organisation believes that the holiday is unrelated to their religion and does not disturb them in any way. It is seen as a day of happiness for the traditionalists, and MURIC supports the philosophy of "Live and let live."

States Observing the Special Holiday

Earlier reports indicated that four states in Southwest Nigeria—Lagos, Oyo, Osun, and Ogun—declared Monday, August 21, a work-free day to celebrate Isese Day 2023. Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and his peers emphasized the importance of preserving Yoruba heritage and fostering unity and harmony among different religious groups.