Muslim traders in Ile-Ife, Osun State, have called on the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to intervene after alleging that men claiming to represent his palace harassed them and seized their goods over their refusal to pay levies tied to the Olojo Festival.

The traders, under the umbrella of the Artisans, Peasants and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN), Ile-Ife branch, said the alleged actions violated their religious freedom and property rights guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.

In a statement signed by Coordinator, Comrade Adegoke Saidi; Secretary, Comrade Monsur Jimoh; and Welfare Officer, Comrade Banjo Isiaq, the association alleged that the most recent incident occurred on September 16, 2025, at the Ojatuntun Otisese Weekly Market.

According to the group, three men identified as Efunwole Kola, Sogo Olagbaju, and Hezekiah Agunbiade stormed the market and carted away items including clothes and vegetable oil belonging to women traders.

“Our members are constantly being attacked and stripped of their goods simply because they refuse to compromise their faith,” the statement read. “We are not rebels; we are contributors to the growth of Ile-Ife.”

APTAN stressed that compelling Muslims to fund traditional festivals contradicted Islamic principles and the Nigerian Constitution. Citing Qur’anic verses 6:162 and 5:2, the association said Muslims are prohibited from partaking in practices outside their faith.

The statement added: “The yearly harassment is an affront to both Islam and Nigeria’s democratic values. Our demands are simple: stop the harassment, return seized goods, and respect our right to practice our faith without coercion.”

The traders further alleged that the harassment was being coordinated by some palace officials and the Babaloja of Odo-Ogbe, Chief Jimoh Olaoluwa Odeyemi, while maintaining that the Ooni himself might not be aware of the situation.

“We hold His Majesty in the highest regard and believe that if he is fully informed, he will act to restore dignity to the throne and put an end to this intimidation,” APTAN said.

The group highlighted Its contributions to Ile-Ife, including the introduction of tricycles through ALBARAKAH Microfinance Bank, artisan training, community services, and a free medical caravan scheduled for October 26, 2025.

APTAN also appealed to Islamic bodies such as the Sultan of Sokoto, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), and the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) to intervene on their behalf.

“We have lived peacefully in Ile-Ife for decades,” the association said. “All we ask is that our constitutional rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion be respected.” (The Guardian)