The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, to stop palace agents from allegedly forcing Muslim traders in Ile-Ife, Osun State, to pay levies for the annual Olojo Festival.
According to a petition sent to the monarch and made public by MURIC’s director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, members of the Artisans, Peasants and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN) reported that some men, identified as palace representatives, visited Oja-tuntun Otisese Market on September 16 and demanded payments described as Olojo levies.
Traders who refused to pay were said to have had goods such as clothing items and vegetable oil seized.
The traders alleged that similar incidents have occurred for over five years, with Muslim shop owners being pressured to contribute to traditional celebrations.
They argued that being compelled to fund a festival rooted in Yoruba traditional religion violates their faith and their constitutional right to freedom of religion and protection of property.
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MURIC described the alleged action as economic extortion and religious persecution. The group called on the Ooni to investigate the complaints, recover confiscated items, and ensure that no Muslim is forced to finance the festival.
Responding to the allegations, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, denied that the palace ordered the collection of levies from traders. He stated that Oba Ogunwusi had already provided funding for the festival and that anyone collecting money in the name of the palace was acting without authorization and should be reported to law enforcement.
The Olojo Festival is an annual celebration in Ile-Ife that honors Ogun, the Yoruba deity of iron. The dispute has drawn attention to the balance between cultural traditions and the constitutional rights of religious minorities in Nigeria.
