The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has appealed to the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, to stop alleged harassment of Muslim traders in Ile-Ife markets over levies reportedly imposed for the annual Olojo traditional festival.
In a statement issued on Monday, the group’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said MURIC received a petition from the Artisans, Peasants and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN), Ile-Ife branch, alleging that palace agents invaded Oja Tuntun Otisese Weekly Market on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, to demand compulsory Olojo festival payments.
According to APTAN’s petition signed by its branch coordinator, Comrade Adegoke Saidi, along with Comrades Monsur Jimoh and Banjo Isiaq goods belonging to Muslim traders who refused to pay were allegedly seized. Reported losses included a mannequin with clothing from Mrs. Aisha Ogundare’s shop, 2.5 litres of vegetable oil from Mrs. Balikis Elureni, and 5 litres from Mrs. Akande Moridiyah, among other items.
Professor Akintola described the alleged actions as “illegal and unlawful…daylight robbery” and “a deliberate attempt to impoverish poor Muslim traders.” He warned that such incidents amount to “economic extortion, religious persecution, harassment, intimidation, and coercion.”
MURIC urged that levies for traditional festivals be restricted to willing adherents of the faith involved, stressing that “to forcefully collect levies from Muslims and seize their goods is an encroachment on their fundamental human rights.”
The organisation appealed directly to the Ooni:
“Your Imperial Majesty’s firm intervention will restore confidence and protect peaceful coexistence. We believe these agents acted on their own, and we call for swift action to discipline those responsible.”
MURIC identified three individuals Mr. Efunwole Kola, Mr. Sogo Olagbaju and Mr. Hezekiah Agunbiade as the alleged perpetrators and called for the immediate return of all confiscated goods.
Professor Akintola concluded that justice for the affected traders and the prompt restoration of their property would reaffirm the Ooni’s reputation as a monarch of peace and fairness.
