Two leading Islamic organisations, Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) and Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), have strongly condemned a recent assault on an Imam in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, perpetrated by a masquerader known as Lobanika.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, July 25, 2025, also included an attack on another Muslim with a cutlass at Oṣaro Market.
In separate releases obtained by Muslim News on Friday, both organisations warned that the violent attacks, alongside growing trends of cultural intimidation, signals a dangerous pattern that must be halted.
“This incident is not only appalling; it reflects a growing culture of lawlessness under the guise of cultural expression – one that must be decisively addressed by law enforcement authorities,” MPAC Executive Chairman Mal. Disu Kamor stated.
According to him, the assaulted Imam had stood quietly by the roadside, making no provocation, when the masquerader struck his cap off – a grave insult in Islamic tradition, where the cap symbolizes modesty and dignity.
* Masquerade festivals should be regulated in conformity with constitution: Disu
Mal Disu described the act as “a clear and unacceptable infringement on the constitutionally guaranteed rights to personal dignity, religious freedom, and public safety,” and called it a “calculated provocation and an affront to human dignity and Islamic values.”
Highlighting the disturbing trend, he cited a recent public announcement by the Oloolu masquerade group in Ibadan, which warned women to avoid designated areas and imposed a mandatory dress code on men during its upcoming festival.
“These declarations – suspending freedom of movement and imposing dress codes on citizens – are not only unconstitutional but dangerously authoritarian,” MPAC said.
“It is deeply troubling that such pronouncements are being made publicly and without repercussions. No group, cultural, traditional, or religious, has the authority to suspend or curtail the rights of Nigerian citizens under any guise,” the organisation added.
MPAC called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Oyo State Government to investigate the Ogbomoso incident thoroughly and prosecute the masquerader Lobanika and any accomplices.
It also urged that urgent steps be taken to regulate masquerade festivals to ensure they align with the Nigerian Constitution and respect the rights of all residents.
MURIC calls for restraint and prompt intervention by security agencies, warns against reprisal attacks
Also reacting, the Director of MURIC, Prof Lakin Akintola described the masquerade’s actions as “absurd, criminal, demeaning, nonsensical, and completely unacceptable.”
He confirmed that the same masquerader who attacked the Imam also assaulted another Muslim with a cutlass.
The Muslim human rights organisation stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence in a multi-religious society and urged traditional leaders and organisers of the Egungun festival to restrain violent masqueraders.
“We call for caution in view of alleged reprisal attacks by Muslims in Ogbomoso. Two wrongs do not make a right. We appeal to Muslims to exercise patience,” MURIC stated.
“We hereby urge the Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to act promptly and decisively to prevent any form of assault or intimidation by masqueraders. The safety and rights of all citizens regardless of their religion must be guaranteed,” said Amb. Malam Ibrahim Agunbiade, Secretary of MURIC Oyo State.
Both MPAC and MURIC concluded by reaffirming their commitment to justice, constitutional rights, religious freedom, and peaceful coexistence.
They emphasized that celebrating cultural heritage should never come at the cost of harassing others or violating public order, and they urged the Nigerian authorities to take a firm stand against cultural impunity masked as tradition.
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