Muslim parents, MURIC react as court okays hijab in Ibadan school

THE Muslim Parents Forum of International School, Ibadan (ISI) and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) have applauded Wednesday’s judgment of an Oyo State High Court which gave approval to the use of hijab by willing female students of the school.

The forum, in a statement on Wednesday by its chairman, Alhaji Abdur-rahman Balogun, described the judgment as a memorable end to a “long-drawn battle between freedom of religious expression and bigotry under the guise of secularity and shallow convention.”

The forum recalled that the case was filed in 2019 after a letter dated 29 October, 2018, intimating the school, owned by the University of Ibadan, of their daughters’ intention to use the hijab as part of their school uniform was followed by a series harassment of the students by the school authorities.

“This victory is a testament to the fact that Allah is always with those who stand on the path of the truth. It is also a testimony that the court is still the last hope of the common man.

“We accept this victory with all solemnity. It is six years late. The youngest among our daughters who partook in the struggle as JSS One students are now in their final year in the school. However, it is a sweet victory over falsehood and oppression,” the forum said.

It expressed gratitude to the leadership of MURIC, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Hijab Rights Advocacy International (HRAI), Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS), National Council for Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), University of Ibadan Muslim Community and the generality of Muslims and well-meaning Nigerians for their support while the case lasted.

It equally thanked its team of lawyers lawyers for its diligent handling of the case.

On its part, MURIC, in a reaction in a statement issued by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, expressed the hope that everyone concerned would respect the court judgement.

The organisation said it was a shame that in Nigeria, some people would “make such a huge mountain out of ordinary molehill just to get at Muslim children” when “Muslims in Britain, America and Canada did not go to court before they could wear hijab in schools and public places.”

It said: “MURIC salutes Muslim parents of the International School for their doggedness. Their leader, Alhaji Abdul Rahman Balogun, deserves a medal. The tenacity of our lawyers, Hasan Fajimite and Yusuf Anikulapo, won the legal onslaught. But above all, we doff our hats to Honourable Justice M.O. Ishola for the depth of his research and the fearlessness and fairness of his pronouncements.

“We certainly hail this judgement. It is profound, cerebral and arcane.”