MUSLIM RIGHTS
CONCERN (MURIC)
هيئة حقوق المسلمين
Motto: Dialogue,
Not Violence
30th March,
2026
PRESS RELEASE:
MURIC HAILS IKORODU
POLICE, DSS FOR CONTAINING ORO WORSHIPPERS
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended the Divisional
Police Officer (DPO) of Ebute Ipakodo Police Division and his men as well as
men of the Department of State Security (DSS) in charge of Ikorodu division for
quelling a looming religious crisis in the area between Muslims and Oro
worshippers last week.
According to the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq
Akintola, Oro worshippers declared a unilateral, illegal and unconstitutional
curfew last week banning movements within the area from 10 pm on Thursday, 26th
March to 12 noon on Friday, 27th March, 2026.
In a statement issued by MURIC on Monday, 30th March,
2026, the group wondered how any right-thinking group could ban movement on a
Friday in Nigeria without lawful cassu belli when, globally, Friday is
known for Muslim worship.
Akintola contended that any declaration of curfew or ban on
movements without the knowledge of the state government is illegal,
illegitimate, unlawful and unconstitutional.
He added, "The unilateral declaration of curfew by Oro
worshippers of Ikorodu West last Thursday was therefore ultra vires,
void and of no consequence whatsoever.
"Come
to think of it, Muslims do not, and have never tried it, attempt to impose any
curfew either during worship or during their festivals. The Christians, too,
have never imposed any curfew. Why must traditionalists violate the fundamental
human rights of other Nigerians by restricting the movements of others while
they move freely around?
"This action is capable of causing a breakdown of law and
order. It is provocative, insensitive and preposterous.
MURIC further argued that Chapter 4 Section 41 of the 2011
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria says, 'Every citizen of Nigeria
is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part
thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused
entry thereby or exit therefrom.'
"Therefore", he continued, "any attempt to
restrict people's movement the way Oro worshippers of Ikorodu did last Thursday
constitutes a contravention of the law.
"According to
Section 215(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as
amended), only the state government acting on the advice of the state
commissioner of police could impose curfew on a town. Even then, such
imposition must be based on adverse security report.”
MURIC urged Oro worshippers and other traditionalists to stop
seeing themselves as people above the law. True democracy, according to the
group, demands respect for the rule of law, equality before the law, equal
rights, justice and equity.
The group commended the law enforcement agencies for preventing a
bloodbath on Friday.
"The role of the Nigeria police and that of the DSS is
highly commendable. The DPO of Ebute Ipakodo played a prominent role in
ensuring that law and order prevailed. Ditto for the DSS. Their proactive
measures prevented the breakdown of law, and order.
"But it is not over until it is over. We still appeal to the
security agencies not to rest on their oars because the Oro worshippers are
still threatening to go ahead with their extremist and illegal activities.
"We in MURIC are not saying that Oro worshippers should not
worship. They are free to worship because the law allows them to worship.
Section 38(i) of the same Constitution guarantees their right to enjoy freedom
of worship. But in doing so they should not trample upon the rights of others
because their rights stop where those of others begin. That is the concept of
equal rights.
"Oro is a common feature in Lagos State but while Oro
practitioners in other areas of Lagos are relatively moderate, those in Ikorodu
have always been extremist and unbearable.
"We appeal to
leaders of the Oro worshippers, particularly those in Ikorodu, to be
considerate and to think about how their activities are likely to affect
others. Religion is not only about our relationship with the Supreme Creator
but also about love among mankind.
"As we drop the anchor, we appeal to Muslims particularly in
Ikorodu and Lagos State in general to continue to be good ambassadors of Islam.
Nigeria is approaching another very sensitive general election. People are on
edge and any little skirmish may be exploited by enemies of peace. Muslims
should not take the law into their hands no matter the amount of provocation.
They should report all agent provocateur to the security agencies."
#KudosIkoroduPolice
#KudosIkoroduDSS
#OroCurfewIsIllegal
#EqualRightToWorship
Professor Ishaq
Akintola,
Founder/Executive
Director,
Muslim Rights
Concern (MURIC).
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