MURIC Urges Ooni of Ile-Ife to Halt Alleged Levy Demands on Muslims for Olojo Festival

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to intervene and stop alleged extortion by palace agents who are reportedly forcing Muslim traders to pay levies for the Olojo Festival.

The appeal was made in a statement issued on Monday by MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Isiaq Akintola, and made available to Nigeria News 247.

According to reports, individuals claiming to represent the palace have been entering markets in Ile-Ife and compelling Muslim traders to pay levies related to the upcoming cultural festival. MURIC has described the act as illegal and discriminatory.

“We urge the Ooni to stop his palace agents from forcing Muslim traders to pay unlawful levies for the Olojo Festival,” Akintola stated. “This practice amounts to economic extortion and religious persecution.”

Akintola revealed that MURIC received a formal complaint from the Ile-Ife branch of the Artisans, Peasants and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN), alleging more than five years of continuous harassment and intimidation.

In the statement, MURIC condemned the seizure of goods from traders by individuals allegedly acting on behalf of the palace. The group identified the suspects as Mr. Efunwole Kola, Mr. Sogo Olagbaju, and Mr. Hezekiah Agunbiade, claiming they have been extorting traders under the guise of collecting Olojo Festival levies.

“MURIC strongly condemns this invasion and the seizures,” Akintola said. “It is not only illegal but amounts to daylight robbery. It is a cruel attempt to further impoverish struggling Muslim traders amid already harsh economic conditions.”

He added that while the actions of the accused individuals may have been taken independently, the Ooni must assert his authority to uphold justice and protect the integrity of the throne.

“We believe Kabiyesi is a man of peace and justice. These extortionists must be held accountable, and the seized goods must be returned. Bringing the perpetrators to book will not only restore confidence among Muslim traders but also preserve the good name of the Ooni,” the statement concluded.