An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo has granted the request of the Muslim community in the state to allow female Muslim students to wear veil (hijab) in public primary and secondary schools in the state.
Justice Jide Falola acceded to the request yesterday in the judgment he delivered in a case filed by the Osun State Muslim
community against the state government, saying wearing hijab was part of the fundamental rights of Muslim female pupils.
Citing section 38 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates the right of every individual to practice his/her religion, Falola stated pupils and students in the state have the right to wear hijab in any public schools.
The Judge noted that the Muslim community had dragged the state government to court over the matter, a development which he said, had
led to series of letters and accusations by counsels of both Muslim and Christian communities.
He stated the joining of Osun Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the suit caused tension leading to several adjournments of the case and overruled the application filed by CAN.
In his ruling, Falola declared that female Muslim students should be free to wear hijab in public schools as enshrined in their religious faith.
He stated school authorities should also determine the colour of such hijabs to be used.
Counsel to the Muslim community, Kazeem Odedeji, expressed satisfaction with the judgment.
Odedeji commended the judgment and urged all applicants involved in the suit to obey the ruling.
However, Femi Ayandokun, representing the CAN, appreciated the Judge for the display of maturity in managing the situation, but stated he would appeal the ruling after due consultation with his client.
- Guardian