Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Panic gripped residents
of Oke-Agbe Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State after
an incident in which masqueraders and traditional worshippers allegedly invaded
a mosque and the residence of the town’s Chief Imam, reportedly assaulting his
family members.
The incident occurred last Thursday and has since sparked
widespread concern across the community. Eyewitnesses report that the attackers
stormed the mosque, located at the town’s centre, and physically assaulted the
Imam’s wives and children.
Efforts by some locals to intervene were said to have been
thwarted, as the assailants allegedly instilled fear, forcing people to flee.
A resident who witnessed the event and asked to remain
anonymous said, “We have been living in palpable fear since the attack
happened. Everyone is just too scared.”
Controversy emerged over the response from the town’s
traditional leadership. Reports suggest that the town’s monarch imposed
sanctions on the victims, demanding that the Chief Imam and his family provide
nine goats, seven sheep, and 200 pieces of kolanuts. The fines were reportedly
linked to accusations that the women raised their voices and uttered curses
during the assault, instead of reacting submissively.
The deadline for compliance was reportedly set for Monday,
with threats of banishment and prohibition of Islamic practices in the area if
the conditions were not met. No known disciplinary action has been announced
against the masqueraders allegedly involved in the assault.
When contacted for comment, the Ondo State Police Public
Relations Officer, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said the command was yet to
confirm the incident but promised to provide updates following further
investigation.
The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN, called on
the Ondo State Government and relevant security agencies to investigate and
take appropriate action against those responsible.
In a joint statement signed by its President, Alhaji Rasaki
Oladejo, and Executive Secretary, Prof. Muslih ‘Tayo Yahya, the organisation
said: “Such acts, if left unaddressed, risk escalating communal tensions and
eroding the harmony that Ondo State is known for.”
MUSWEN described the incident as a violation of religious
sanctity and urged the state to uphold justice and protect the rights of all
religious communities.
The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, also reacted strongly,
confirming the incident and condemning the alleged invasion. Executive
Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, described the development as “barbaric” and
called for immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
MURIC also criticised the monarch’s handling of the
situation, describing the imposed fine as a breach of natural justice. The
organisation urged the state government to intervene and nullify the banishment
threat.
“Nothing must happen to the Imam, his wives and children.
That banishment order must be rescinded,” MURIC stated.
The Muslim group also described the action of monarch as ‘a
miscarriage of justice’, saying his judgment stands in contradistinction to the
principles of natural justice.
“The judgment of the monarch stands in opposition to natural
justice. This fine must not stand. We demand justice for the victims,” the
organisation stated.
MURIC also appealed to the Ondo State Government to address
the situation and ensure the safety and rights of the Chief Imam and his
family.
“This fine must not stand. We demand justice for the
victims,” it said.
“We urge the Ondo State Government to curb the excesses of the king of OkeAgbe Akoko. Nothing must happen to the Imam, his wives and children. That banishment order must be rescinded.
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