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Relief has finally come the way of Muslim traders in Ile-Ife as they have been exempted from paying compulsory levies tied to the annual Olojo Festival, following weeks of public outcry, petitions, and appeals to religious and traditional leaders.
The Artisans, Peasants and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN), Ile-Ife branch, in a statement on Thursday jointly signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Saidi Adegoke, and Secretary, Comrade Monsur Jimoh, confirmed that all issues surrounding the Ojatuntun Otisese Weekly Market had been resolved.
Goods earlier seized from traders were returned to their owners, while members were assured of freedom to transact without harassment, intimidation, or extortion.
APTAN described the outcome as a “victory for all,” stressing that its members who had long rejected the levies on religious grounds were now permanently exempted from contributing to Olojo Festival expenses.
This resolution comes barely two weeks after the group had raised alarm over what it described as “unlawful extortion” by men who stormed the market and forcefully seized traders’ goods for refusing to pay the levies.
In its earlier statement of September 20, APTAN narrated how goods belonging to Muslim women traders, including vegetable oil, cloth, and other wares, were confiscated.
The group lamented that the harassment had persisted for over five years despite repeated appeals.
It argued that compelling Muslims to fund traditional religious practices was not only against their faith but also in violation of Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, and Section 44(1), which protects citizens against unlawful seizure of property.
Citing Qur’anic injunctions, the association insisted that contributing to activities rooted in Isese (traditional worship) was forbidden in Islam. It therefore called on the Ooni of Ife, the Sultan of Sokoto, the NSCIA, MURIC, FOMWAN, and other Muslim bodies to intervene.
That cry, amplified by journalists, civil society organisations, and religious leaders, eventually led to widespread outrage and swift mediation.
In announcing the resolution, APTAN expressed deep gratitude to His Royal Highness, Oba Abdul Yekeen Zakariyau Fakowajo, the Oleegbe of Ipole Ayee, for his fatherly intervention, as well as to Ustadh Adesoji, the Seriki Hausawa of Ife land, the DSS, the Area Commander of Moore Division, and the Ife Development Board.
The group also lauded its legal counsel, Barrister Olamilekan Ibrahim, for his steadfast advocacy, and appreciated MURIC, Muslim organisations, and other supporters who stood by them during the struggle.
“We never sought confrontation but only the protection of our constitutional rights and freedom of religion,” APTAN declared, while reiterating its respect for the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The association urged all traders and artisans to see the development as a collective victory, emphasising that dialogue and mutual understanding remain the surest path to peace.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to Ile-Ife’s socio-economic growth, pointing to ongoing projects such as artisan training, enlightenment programmes, skill acquisition initiatives, and a free medical caravan scheduled for October 26, 2025.
Reacting to the allegations, the Ooni, through his media aide, Moses Olafare, denied the claims, insisting that the palace neither authorised nor benefited from such levies.
He said: “The palace could not have and did not send anybody to commit crime in the name of Olojo Festival. No palace can force people to pay levy for a festival, talk less of the Ooni’s palace. The Ooni has made available the needed fund for the festival, while volunteers also donated towards its success. Whoever goes around in the name of the palace should be treated as a criminal and be made to face the wrath of the law.
“It is also unfortunate that the traders did not inform the palace of the extortion they claimed to face annually. Since they can identify the people involved, they should report to the police and let them face the consequences of their actions,” he added.
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