The Osogbo community in Osun State has issued a ban on political discussions and the wearing of party uniforms at Eid praying grounds during this year’s festivities.
The directive was announced through a public service notice broadcast on several radio stations in the state and shared on social media on Thursday.
The announcement was signed by the Asiwaju of Osogbo, Justice Moshood Adeigbe (retd.).
The community also prohibited drummers from performing within the praying grounds and forbade the display of political party posters.
According to the statement, the decision followed a stakeholders’ meeting attended by the Chief Imam of Osogbo, representatives of security agencies, political parties, and other community groups.
It read, “All Muslims attending Eid-el-Fitr prayers in Osogbo must ensure that they do not wear clothes or caps bearing political party emblems, display political posters or engage in political discussions at the praying grounds. We have also placed a ban on drummers at the praying grounds.”
“This directive became necessary following a meeting involving the Chief Imam of Osogbo, security agencies, representatives of political parties and other groups under the leadership of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.”
The community warned that the ban applies to all Eid praying grounds in Osogbo and noted that violators would face arrest by security agents.
Officials explained that politicians and their supporters often use large gatherings at prayer sites to promote candidates, especially during election periods, which has on some occasions led to clashes and disruption of law and order.
Report stated that on June 28, 2023, a dispute over seating arrangements at the Osogbo Eid praying ground led to a confrontation between aides of the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and former Senate spokesperson, Ajibola Basiru.
Basiru reportedly arrived with prominent Osogbo indigenes for Eid-el-Kabir prayers but was asked to vacate a seat reserved for the governor, triggering the altercation.
