A group of traditional masqueraders have reportedly invaded a mosque and the residence of the Chief Imam in Oke Agbe, Akoko North Local Government Area of Ondo State, assaulting his wives and children in a violent attack that has drawn sharp condemnation from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, June 12, 2025, saw scores of masquerade adherents storm the Islamic cleric’s home, beating up his family members without provocation, according to a statement issued by MURIC on Sunday, June 15.
Executive Director of the Islamic human rights group, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the attack as “barbaric, irrational and evidence of increasing anti-Muslim hostility” in parts of the Southwest.
He said the incident adds to the growing pattern of religious persecution allegedly faced by Muslims in Yorubaland.
“What is even more disturbing is the response of the town’s monarch who, instead of ensuring justice, imposed a fine on the victims,” the statement read.
According to MURIC, the monarch ordered the Imam and his wives to provide nine goats, seven sheep, and 200 kolanuts by Monday, June 16, or face banishment from the town.
The fines were reportedly levied because the assaulted Muslim women “screamed and cursed” during the beating — a reaction the traditionalists deemed inappropriate.
“This is crude, draconian and amounts to a miscarriage of justice,” Akintola said, adding that no punishment was given to the masqueraders who carried out the assault.
“We are in a democracy, not a feudal society. The fine must be rescinded immediately.”
MURIC has called on the Ondo State Government to intervene and halt what it described as the “excesses” of the town’s traditional leadership. It also demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those behind the attack.
“This case is not just about one Imam and his family. It is about the dignity, safety and rights of Yoruba Muslims who are increasingly being pushed to the margins in their own homeland,” Akintola said.
The group commended the local police for enabling Muslims to observe Jumu’ah prayers peacefully the day after the attack, but warned against sweeping the matter under the carpet.
“It is not enough to permit worship after the fact; justice must be served. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” Akintola added.
He further alleged systemic discrimination against Muslims in the Southwest, citing political marginalisation, economic exclusion, and educational bias.
“A qualified Muslim youth stands little chance of employment or political appointment in many Yoruba states today. It is persecution in disguise,” he claimed.
MURIC urged civil society organisations and human rights advocates to monitor the case closely and press for fairness in what it views as a dangerous precedent of religious intolerance.
Efforts to reach community leaders in Oke Agbe for comment were unsuccessful as of press time. The Ondo State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
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