Islamic Group Attacks Gov Makinde For Allegedly ‘Converting Bodija Praying Ground To Recreation Centre’
The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, claims that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has started a systematic, well-rehearsed, and progressive removal of Islamic landmarks in the state.
According to them, the State government has designated a Muslim ‘Id praying place in Bodija, Ibadan, for the development of a recreation center.
In a statement signed by the group’s director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, and made accessible to media on Saturday, MURIC requested that Governor Makinde clarify his government’s position on the issue.
The news that the Governor had assigned Bodija ‘Id prayer site for the construction of a recreation centre concerned the group.
While stating that the Makinde government had recently designated a mosque in the state for demolition, the group stated that the governor should keep in mind that religion is a very delicate subject and that any matter that may cause controversy should be avoided.
MURIC slammed Makinde for trying to convert a place of worship “where Muslims call on Allah to a recreation centre where fun seekers manifest all kinds of lewd, obscene and vulgar profanities sounds more like mocking Islam. It was not long ago that a mosque in Iwo Road was marked for demolition by the same administration.”
They said that by marking mosques for demolition and seizing praying ground belonging to Muslims, the governor is telling Muslims in general that they are insignificant.
“Governor Makinde should mark our words, Bodija Muslim praying ground has become sacred land and converting it to any worldly use is sacrilegious. We say this with all seriousness,” MURIC said.
They said the Governor’s alleged actions against Muslims amounted to challenging his creator by seizing the very property on which His Name is called.
“In addition, it is our hope that we are not witnessing a systematic, well-rehearsed and gradual elimination of Islamic landmarks in Oyo State,” the group said.
