There was confusion in Oke Agbe, Akoko North Local Government Area of Ondo State, after a group of masquerades invaded a mosque and the home of the town’s Chief Imam.
The incident happened on Thursday, June 12, 2025, and left the Imam’s wives and children injured. According to reports, the traditionalists stormed the premises during broad daylight and physically attacked the family members without provocation.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic human rights organisation, has condemned the attack. In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, June 15, 2025, MURIC described the act as evidence of growing hostility against Muslims in the region.
“Scores of masquerade traditionalists invaded the house and mosque of the Chief Imam… They beat up the Imam’s wives and children,” the group stated. The organisation described the assault as “weird, irrational and barbaric.”
The Chief Imam, whose name has not been disclosed, was not physically harmed during the attack, but his household suffered from what MURIC called an “unprovoked attack.”
The group expressed concern over the targeting of Muslims and warned of a wider pattern of religious intolerance in the Southwest.
Traditional Ruler Imposes Heavy Fines on Muslim Victims
Instead of receiving justice, the Imam’s family reportedly faced more trouble. According to MURIC, the traditional ruler of Oke Agbe imposed fines on the Muslim victims after the incident.
The group said the Imam and his wives were asked to provide nine goats, seven sheep, and 200 pieces of kolanuts as punishment. The reason given was that the Muslim women had screamed and cursed at the masquerades while being beaten, instead of crying or begging.
The fine was to be paid by Monday, June 16, 2025. If they failed to pay, the family risked banishment from the town, and a reported ban on Islamic practices in the area would follow. MURIC called the situation unjust and described the ruler’s decision as “crude, archaic, parochial and draconian.”
“This fine must not stand,” the group insisted. They urged the Ondo State Government to intervene immediately and protect the rights of the Muslim family involved.
“Nothing must happen to the Imam, his wives and children,” they added. MURIC also said the punishment amounted to a “miscarriage of justice” and went against the principles of fairness and democracy.
Police Presence Allowed Friday Prayers, Group Demands Prosecution
Despite the tension, police officers in Oke Agbe reportedly ensured that Muslims in the area were able to observe Friday prayers the following day. MURIC praised the local police for their efforts to maintain peace and order but urged them to take stronger action.
The group has called on the Ondo State Police Command to arrest and prosecute those behind the assault. According to them, the identities of the attackers are known, and no excuse should prevent justice. “They are neither anonymous nor ghosts because their leaders are well known,” the group noted.
MURIC also warned that ignoring the incident could lead to more acts of injustice. “Injustice anywhere is an invitation to injustice everywhere,” the statement read.
They argued that if the attackers are not punished, others could soon become victims in similar or worse ways. The group believes this event reflects a larger pattern of anti-Muslim discrimination in Yorubaland.
The group claimed Yoruba Muslims continue to suffer marginalisation in areas like politics, jobs, and education. According to MURIC, young Muslims with impressive qualifications are being denied employment because of their religion.
They also accused some schools of blocking Muslim students from studying competitive courses like medicine and engineering.
In their words, “All the noise about religious tolerance in the Southwest are mere political statements, sheer rhetorics and empty propaganda.”
MURIC believe Muslims have been kept outside the mainstream of Yoruba society and urged the government to address the issue with sincerity and fairness.
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