The Oyo State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has welcomed the landmark judgment delivered by the High Court of Justice, Iyaganku, Ibadan, describing it as a historic affirmation of constitutional rights, the rule of law, and religious freedom in Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the General Secretary of MURIC, Oyo State Chapter, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, the organisation applauded the judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Y. S. Adekunle, which affirmed the constitutional right of female Muslim students to wear the Islamic hijab in all government-owned public schools in Oyo State, including schools with missionary heritage.

The judgment was delivered in Suit No. I/47/2026: Sumaiya Ayanrinde & 4 Ors. v. Governor of Oyo State & 3 Ors., a case that MURIC described as a defining moment in the protection of fundamental human rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to MURIC, the court rightly held that the directive prohibiting female Muslim students from wearing the hijab in government-owned public schools violated their constitutional rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom from discrimination, and the right to education. The court also declared that government-owned schools must remain secular, impartial and free from religious bias or exclusion, regardless of the historical names they bear.

The organisation particularly commended the court’s directive ordering the Oyo State Government to issue an official circular permitting eligible female Muslim students to wear the hijab as part of the approved school uniform in all government-owned public schools. It also described the perpetual injunction restraining the continued enforcement of the policy as a significant reinforcement of the supremacy of the Constitution over discriminatory administrative actions.

MURIC congratulated the Muslim parents, guardians and students who pursued the matter through the courts, describing their patience, perseverance and confidence in the judicial process as exemplary.

The group also praised the legal team led by Barrister Kazeem Gbadamosi, SAN, alongside other counsel who participated in the case, for their professionalism and commitment to defending the constitutional rights of Muslim schoolgirls.

In addition, MURIC commended Hon. Justice Y. S. Adekunle for what it described as a well-reasoned and courageous judgment that has further strengthened public confidence in the Nigerian judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

The organisation urged the Oyo State Government to comply fully and promptly with every aspect of the judgment by issuing the necessary directives to education authorities and school administrators across the state. It stressed that obedience to valid court orders remains a fundamental pillar of democratic governance and respect for the rule of law.

MURIC also appealed to school administrators, teachers, parents and members of the public to receive the judgment with maturity, tolerance and mutual respect. It emphasized that the ruling should not be interpreted as a victory of one religious group over another, but rather as a reaffirmation of the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to practise his or her religion without fear, intimidation or discrimination.

Addressing members of the Muslim community in Oyo State, the organisation advised that the judgment should be celebrated peacefully, responsibly and within the confines of the law. It noted that the outcome of the case demonstrates the effectiveness of dialogue, lawful engagement and confidence in the judiciary in resolving disputes within a democratic society.

MURIC concluded by expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah (SWT) for granting justice after years of perseverance and prayed for continued peace, harmony and religious coexistence in Oyo State and across Nigeria.

The statement ended with the Qur’anic reminder:

“Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence and kindness…” (Qur’an 16:90).