Muslims in Osun protest coercion to fund traditional religious practices

The Artisans, Peasants and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN), Ile-Ife branch, has urged the federal and Osun State governments, as well as the Nigeria Police Force, to intervene over alleged harassment and extortion of its members by persons claiming to represent the Palace of the Ooni of Ife. According to APTAN, the dispute stems from […]

The Artisans, Peasants and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN), Ile-Ife branch, has urged the federal and Osun State governments, as well as the Nigeria Police Force, to intervene over alleged harassment and extortion of its members by persons claiming to represent the Palace of the Ooni of Ife.

According to APTAN, the dispute stems from the refusal of its members to pay a levy tied to the annual Olojo Festival.

In a statement signed by its coordinator, secretary, and welfare officer – Saidi Adegoke, Monsur Jimoh, and Banjo Isiaq – the association alleged that on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, men who identified themselves as palace representatives stormed the Ojatuntun Otisese Weekly Market and forcefully seized goods from traders.

Adegoke said the incident was part of a recurring pattern spanning over five years, where members have faced intimidation, harassment, and confiscation of goods under the guise of compulsory festival levies.

He said seized items were never returned despite repeated complaints.

“Our members are predominantly Muslims. While we pay all legitimate taxes and market dues, funding traditional festivals contradicts our faith. Compelling us to do so violates both Islamic teachings and constitutional rights,” Adegoke said, citing Qur’an 6:162 on exclusive devotion to God.

He argued that the practice infringes Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as well as Section 44(1), which protects against unlawful seizure of property.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Prof. Ishaq Akintola, has appealed to the Ooni of Ife to stop alleged palace agents from imposing illegal levies on Muslim traders for the Olojo Festival.