The Osun State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Ede of forcefully halting the construction of a mosque at Ede Senior High School, describing the act as a violation of religious freedom and a threat to peaceful coexistence.
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 13, 2025, by MURIC’s State Chairman, Dr Abdul Razaq Bolawaye Uthman, the group alleged that the mosque project was stopped by members of the church, led by a former principal of the school, Mr Osundina.
According to the statement, “Mr Osundina, a former Principal of the school, led a group of people to the site on Friday 12th July, 2025 in collaboration with the Seventh Day Adventist Church members. It was also alleged that Dr Deji Adeleke’s personal call to the group sealed the action.”
MURIC insists the action is illegal and amounts to religious intolerance, especially given that the necessary approval for the construction had already been secured from the Osun State Ministry of Education, via letter ref P.PRY/390T/58 dated June 11, 2025.
The statement went further to say:
“It is illegal for any private individual or group of persons to stop another group’s construction work without official government document backing their action. It also amounts to religious bigotry for one religious group to stop the construction of a place of worship of another group.”
MURIC also refuted claims that the land belongs to the church, noting that the school is a public institution serving students of diverse backgrounds. The land, they say, originally belonged to the community and was granted for school development at no cost.
“The Seventh Day Adventist, Ede, should note that Ede Senior High School is a government/community school not owned by the church. The claim that they were the former owners who can dictate to the school authorities is baseless,” the statement added.
Citing Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution, MURIC emphasized the right to freedom of religion and religious expression, especially in public schools. They warned that obstructing mosque construction is a serious violation that could trigger unrest.
MURIC also linked the development to alleged past incidents of religious intolerance in the state and warned against using political or institutional influence to suppress the rights of Muslim students.
“Dr Deji Adeleke might be using the state government’s fiat to stop the mosque construction thereby causing religious disharmony. But he should be reminded that this is not Adeleke University, Ede where all students are forced to attend the chapel irrespective of their religious backgrounds,” the statement said.
MURIC called on the Muslim Council of Ede and other concerned stakeholders to intervene before the situation escalates, urging the state and federal authorities to ensure religious harmony is upheld and the mosque project allowed to continue.
Finally, the group encouraged Muslims in Ede to remain calm and law-abiding while the issue is being addressed.
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