The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has given its support to the demand by traditionalists for the Federal Government to declare Isese Day, on August 21st and 22nd, as public holidays. However, MURIC has made it clear that this support is contingent upon the traditionalists respecting the rights of people from other faiths.
In a statement released on Thursday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, described the demand by traditionalists as “just, legitimate, and constitutional.” He added that traditionalists, like adherents of other religions, deserve equal recognition, which includes the right to their own public holiday.
“We have no objection to their demand. Islam teaches freedom of worship, as reflected in the Qur’an’s verse, ‘For you is your religion, and for me is mine’,” Akintola said. He further expressed that Islam firmly supports the right of traditionalists to their holidays but also emphasized that the traditionalists must recognize and respect the rights of others in return.
Akintola urged traditional worshippers to be mindful of past infringements on the rights of others, especially during festivals like the Oro. He cited issues such as unlawful movement restrictions and the mistreatment of women, including the public flogging by masquerades. “If Isese worshippers seek their own holidays, they must first ensure that their past violations stop,” he said.
MURIC’s statement also took aim at some South West state governments, which had already granted public holidays for Isese Day. Akintola argued that such actions were rushed and lacked consultation with other stakeholders. He cautioned that the recognition of Isese Day without a firm commitment from traditionalists to respect human rights could trigger a religious crisis.
He concluded by urging the Federal Government not to grant Isese Day status until the Isese worshippers provide a written commitment to cease their excesses. “The ball is in Isese’s court,” he stated.
