The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has hailed yesterday’s Hijab Case victory in Ibadan.

Recall that a State High Court sitting at Challenge, Ibadan, yesterday (Wednesday) delivered judgement in favour of MURIC and Muslim parents in the case between the International School, Ibadan, Muslim parents and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

In a swift reaction after the judgement, MURIC described the court’s pronouncement as profound, cerebral and arcane.

This was contained in a statement issued immediately after the judgement on Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024 by the Executive Director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement reads: “History was made when the State High Court 6 sitting at Challenge, Ibadan, yesterday delivered judgement in favour of MURIC and Muslim parents in the case between the International School, Ibadan Muslim parents and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

“It will be recalled that Muslim parents of the International School, Ibadan, led by Alhaji Abdul Rahman Balogun, a veteran journalist, took the authorities of the school to court when eight female Muslim students were sent out of the school for wearing hijab in November 2018. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) asked to be joined in the case.

“The case dragged for six years before the judgement, which was in favour of the Muslims, was delivered yesterday, Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024.

“The court held that the refusal of International School, Ibadan, to allow the female Muslim students to wear hijab on their school uniform is wrongful, unconstitutional, null and void. The learned judge, Honourable Justice M.O Ishola, insisted that the school is a multi-religious public institution.

“This is a monumental judgement coming from Ibadan, the heart of Yorubaland. It is a game changer. It is our hope that our Christian neighbors, overzealous civil servants and recalcitrant teachers will respect this judgement,” the statement read.

Speaking further, Professor Akintola said in any case would MURIC stand while Muslim children are subjected to illegal instructions particularly those that encroach on their rights as Muslims, saying the group was fully prepared to amass incontestable evidence against anyone who molested Muslim students.

Meanwhile, the group commended the contributors of the said victory from the Muslim parents of the International School through their leader, Alhaji Abdul Rahman Balogun for their doggedness, the lawyers, Hasan Fajimite and Yusuf Anikulapo and to the Honourable Justice M.O. Ishola for the depth of his research and the fearlessness and fairness of his pronouncements.

END.