Traditional religion followers have filed a petition against the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State leadership. They're accusing the board chairman of discrimination during a staff prayer event.
The International Council for Ifa Religion submitted the complaint to Governor Seyi Makinde on Wednesday. Their lawyer, Kunle Sobaloju, signed the petition on their behalf.
On June 2nd, staff unions at BCOS organized an interfaith prayer programme. The event was meant to bring together Christians, Muslims, and traditional religion practitioners.
Dr Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode represented Ifa adherents at the gathering. He's a respected scholar with a PhD and holds the title of Justice of the Peace.
According to the petition, board chair Mrs Dotun Olaitan objected to his presence. She allegedly treated him with open hostility and disrespect during the event.
Sobaloju told reporters the treatment amounted to public humiliation. It happened solely because Fakayode represented the Yoruba Traditional Religion, he noted.
The petitioners say Olaitan's conduct violated Nigeria's constitution. Section 38 guarantees every citizen freedom of religion and conscience.
Section 42 of the same document prohibits religious discrimination. Yet staff members who helped arrange Fakayode's participation faced disciplinary action.
The petition describes the incident as abuse of office. It claims the board chair's actions threaten religious peace in the state.
ICIR is calling on Governor Makinde to investigate immediately. They want him to probe allegations against the BCOS leadership without delay.
The group also wants all warning letters cancelled. Any queries or disciplinary measures issued to staff must be withdrawn and erased.
In their words, the interfaith programme aimed for genuine inclusion. It involved representatives of the three major faiths practised across Oyo State.
Rather than embrace this vision, the petition alleges Olaitan rejected it outright. Her objections undermined the entire purpose of the gathering, according to the complaint.
Sobaloju described her conduct as a direct assault on traditional religion followers. He said it attacks their dignity and constitutional rights as citizens.
The petition was made available to journalists on Wednesday morning. It detailed the sequence of events leading to the alleged discrimination.
Union officials at BCOS jointly organized the event with journalists. Both the NUJ and RATTAWU believed interfaith dialogue would strengthen workplace harmony.
Fakayode wasn't merely a token invitee to the programme. He came specifically to represent the philosophical and spiritual traditions of Ifa.
Yet his presence sparked controversy at BCOS headquarters. The board chair's reaction shocked union leaders and staff members present.
This incident raises serious questions about religious tolerance in public institutions. Oyo State prides itself on its multicultural, multifaith character.
The governor now faces pressure to act decisively. Makinde must decide whether to investigate or dismiss the serious allegations.
Traditional religion practitioners comprise a significant portion of Yoruba communities. Their exclusion from public events sends troubling messages, the petitioners argue.
ICIR representatives declined to comment further pending the governor's response. They're hopeful Makinde will uphold constitutional protections for all faiths.
