MURIC Supports Traditionalists’ Call To Declare Isese National Holiday
The Muslim Rights Concern has expressed support for the demand by traditionalists for the Federal Government to declare Isese Day a national holiday.
During this year’s annual Isese Day, the International Council for Ifa Religion urged President Bola Tinubu to accord Isese adherents the same holiday privileges as Muslims and Christians.
Specifically, the traditionalists demanded August 20 and 21 as national holidays, noting that Isese Day is observed annually for cultural and religious celebrations.
Council President, Fayemi Fakayode, called on Tinubu to address what he described as inequality among the three major religions in Nigeria by giving due recognition to Isese practitioners.
He said, “We call for national recognition from President Tinubu through the declaration of August 20 and 21 as public holidays for Isese across Nigeria. We also want the government to fund cultural festivals, protect shrines and sacred lands, and integrate practitioners into cultural councils, as it is being done for Muslims and Christians.”
The Executive Director of MURIC, Prof Ishaq Akintola, while speaking on the issue with The Punch, said Muslims had no objection to the demand, describing it as an issue of fundamental human rights.
He said, “We don’t have any objection to that. If what they are asking for is collective, for their group, why should we object? If the government gives them, it doesn’t disturb us.
“What is interesting in Nigeria is that when Muslims demand something, some people will stand up somewhere and say, no, Muslims should not be given. That is selfishness. We are not selfish. Let them give their holidays. The more, the merrier. No objection.”
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
