The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) Nigeria has strongly condemned a recent incident where a masquerader attacked a Muslim cleric during a cultural procession in Ogbomosho, Oyo State.
According to MPAC, the masquerader, identified as Lobanika, allegedly struck off the Imam's cap with a stick while the cleric was peacefully standing by the roadside to allow the procession to pass.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, MPAC described the incident as a "brazen disregard for civil norms and individual rights" that was both provocative and deeply offensive to Islamic sensibilities.
"No culture, tradition, or festival has the right to infringe on the rights of any Nigerian. The act of forcibly removing an Imam's cap, a symbol of religious identity and modesty, is an affront to both human dignity and Islamic values," the statement read.
The Islamic advocacy group emphasized that the incident violated the Imam's constitutionally guaranteed rights to dignity, religious freedom, and public safety. They further warned against the increasing misuse of cultural traditions as a cover for lawlessness and religious intimidation.
Calls for Action and Accountability
MPAC has called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately investigate the incident and prosecute both the masquerader and any accomplices involved in the attack.
The organization also urged the Oyo State Government to implement regulations for masquerade festivals to ensure they comply with the law and respect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations.
Additionally, MPAC demanded that traditional and community leaders be held accountable when cultural processions become platforms for harassment, violence, or extortion of citizens.
"The Nigerian Constitution remains the supreme law of the land. Neither masquerades nor traditionalists are above it," Kamor stated firmly in the release.
While urging Muslims across the country to remain peaceful and law-abiding, MPAC warned that such provocations should not be interpreted as an invitation to silence or submission.
The organization affirmed its commitment to seeking justice for the victim and vowed to continue advocating for the protection of Muslim communities and all peaceful citizens in Nigeria.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between traditional cultural practices and religious freedoms in various parts of Nigeria, raising important questions about how diverse communities can coexist while respecting each other's rights and sensibilities.
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