The coronation planning committee for the installation of the new Olubadan of Ibadan has unveiled a week-long programme of events to mark the ascension of former Oyo State Governor, Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, as the new monarch. However, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly criticized the schedule, alleging that it disregards the religious sensitivities of the Muslim community. “This programme strangulates the Muslim Friday prayer,” said Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of MURIC, in a statement issued to the press.

According to MURIC, the coronation programme begins on Monday, 22nd September 2025, with an inter-religious prayer session, followed by a cultural fiesta, a coronation lecture, and separate Islamic and Christian prayer events on subsequent days. “The first four days are in order,” Akintola noted, “but the Friday schedule is provocative and insensitive.” He emphasized that the main coronation event is slated for Friday, 26th September at 9 a.m., a time that overlaps with the Muslim Jumu’ah prayer.

MURIC expressed concern that no mention was made of any mosque-based activity or Jumu’ah prayer in the programme, while a Christian Thanksgiving Service scheduled for Sunday, 28th September at the Catholic Cathedral, Oke Padre, was prominently featured. “This is an attempt to Christianise the coronation ceremony,” Akintola alleged, adding that the omission of Friday prayers sends a troubling message to Muslim attendees.

The group further criticized the scheduling of a reception at 1 p.m. on the same Friday, a time traditionally reserved for Jumu’ah prayers. “Who does not know that Muslims are expected to be in the mosque by 1 p.m. on Fridays?” Akintola asked. He described the timing as a “punch below the belt” and called for an urgent review of the programme to accommodate Muslim worship.

MURIC urged the planning committee to demonstrate religious inclusivity by introducing a “Thanksgiving Jumu’ah Service” at 1 p.m. on Friday and shifting the reception to 3 p.m. Alternatively, the group proposed moving the coronation ceremony itself to Saturday, 27th September, which is currently free of any scheduled events. “Saturday is the best day for the coronation ceremony per se,” Akintola advised, “as it would relieve the planners of any form of pressure while avoiding a clash with Friday prayers.”

The organization also referenced past incidents involving Governor Seyi Makinde, accusing him of a pattern of scheduling official events during Friday prayer hours. “At the road commissioning in Iseyin on 15th September 2023, the governor arrived late, making Muslim guests uncomfortable,” Akintola recalled. He also cited the coronation of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Friday, 12th July 2024, where Muslim attendees reportedly missed prayers due to Makinde’s delayed arrival.

MURIC had previously issued a statement on 15th July 2024 titled “MURIC To Makinde: Stop Friday Programs,” warning against the scheduling of state events during Muslim worship hours. “Seyi Makinde has come after Friday again,” Akintola declared. “This coming coronation programme will be the third example. Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, the third time is enemy action.”

While the government has denied involvement in the coronation planning, MURIC remains unconvinced. “How are we sure the committee has not kowtowed to the whims of the state governor?” Akintola asked, reiterating the need for equitable religious representation. “Muslim leaders from across the country will be present. They should not leave with the impression that Friday prayer is not recognized by the Oyo State government.”

In conclusion, MURIC called for a balanced approach to the coronation schedule, urging the committee to respect the religious diversity of Ibadan and Nigeria at large. “Our suggestion is simple: review the programme and ensure that Muslims are not alienated,” Akintola said. “Let the coronation reflect the pluralistic spirit of our society.”