Hijab dispute: Absence of Judge stalls fundamental right infringement case

November 22, 2022

The absence of Justice Moshood Ishola of the Oyo State High Court, on Tuesday, stalled the case challenging prohibition of wearing of Hijab by female Muslim students of the International School Ibadan (ISI).

The case was recently transferred from Justice Ladiran Akintola, who was previously handling the matter, to Justice Ishola.

The Enforcement of Fundamental Human Rights suit was instituted by Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and 11 female Muslim students of ISI, University of Ibadan, against the school management.

The claimants are; Farida Moshood, Alkifah Dopesi, Raheemah Akinlusi, Aliya Dopesi, Imam Akinoso, Hamdalat Olusunde, Aliyah Adebayo, Moriddiya Yekinni, Iklas Badiru, Adeola Babarinde and Faridah Chidinma.

Other respondents in the suit are: the School Principal, Mrs Phebean Olowe, the Chairman, Board of Governors, Prof. Abideen Aderinto and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Dr Olalekan Jeremiah, Prof. Babatunde Okolo, Lukman Ajibade, Tunde Aro and Fatumise Abey

At the resumption of proceedings, the case was slated for hearing before Justice Ishola, but the case could not go on because the judge did not sit.

Counsel to the students and MURIC, Mr Hassan Fajimite, and, Mr Yusuf Alikulapo respectively as well as other counsel in the case, unanimously picked Jan.10, 2023, for hearing of the matter.

It would be recalled that the claimants counsel, Hassan Fajimite, in his originating summon argued that, the action of the school’s management violated the claimant’s right to freedom of thought, religion and right to education as contained in Section 38 (1)(a) and 42(1)(a) of the Constitution.

Fajimite urged the court to declare the continuous denial of female Muslim students of ISI from wearing hijab on their school uniform by the school’s management as wrongful and unconstitutional. (NAN)