Osun and Hijab wearing saga

The uncontrolled display of barbarism and lack of “intellecto-scientific” reasoning that the Osun State government, Christian Association of Nigeria and Muslim bodies in Osun State have put up recently is one that should bring ever right thinking on-looker to nothing short of disgust. The aftermath of the court ruling on the wearing of hijab in […]

The uncontrolled display of barbarism and lack of “intellecto-scientific” reasoning that the Osun State government, Christian Association of Nigeria and Muslim bodies in Osun State have put up recently is one that should bring ever right thinking on-looker to nothing short of disgust. The aftermath of the court ruling on the wearing of hijab in Osun State schools has been the catalyst of the current academic carnival going on in the state. Although the intentions of the parties involved in this display of “uncivility” is scarcely known to many, we cannot but assert that all parties involved are interested in nothing but their selfish religious gains. It is baffling to know that while the governor of a neighbouring state is launching and celebrating with its students the purchase of new school buses to ease transporting school children to their different schools, Osun State is battling with religious issues in academic institutions.
What should be the paramount concern of the government, court, stakeholders and religious institutions on this matter which is – the resultant effect of this uncalled for quest for religious supremacy on relationship among students with different religious beliefs, has however been brushed aside. Although a popular newspaper stated that relationship among the students remained as cordial as it has been, but is it not too short a time for the aftermath to begin its manifestation? The students have been in cordial relationship for years because there has never been a physical differentiation in their religious practices as regarding manner of dressing (the current shameful display of robes). What we should be more wary of is how violently the parties have gone with their agitations as reports made the rounds that a particular sect wanted to invade one of the schools if not for the timely intervention of a Monarch and a sister sect. A school is supposed to be a shrine where civilized people are nurtured and taught how to positively influence their society rather than a mercenary to help score religious points.
This is a call on the government, stakeholders, religious institutions and “ever non-functioning NANS” to sit together and have a rethink on the current situation in Osun State so that the only institution which unites children of different religious beliefs would not be destroyed by some religious extremists.

Oduneye Oluwatosin, [email protected]