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 and Secretary of APTAN, Ile-Ife Branch, Comrade Saidi Adegoke and Comrade Monsur Jimoh, confirmed that all issues surrounding the Ojatuntun Otisese Weekly Market have now been resolved. Goods earlier seized from traders were returned to their rightful 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 the grounds of faith are now permanently excluded from contributing to Olojo Festival expenses.
This resolution comes barely two weeks after APTAN 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 festival 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 all 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, emphasizing 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, Ooni through his media aide, Moses Olafare denied the claims, saying Oba Ogunwusi has provided the necessary fund for the festival.
He said, “The palace could not have and did not send anybody to commit crime in the name of Olojo festival, stressing that such persons ought to have been arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.
“No palace can force people to pay lecy for festival talk less the Ooni’s palace. The Ooni has made available needed fund for the festival and volunteers have also made donations towards the successful celebration of the annual event. Whoever go around in the next 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 have not informed the palace of the extortion they face annually as they claimed. Since they can identify the people involved they should report to the police and let them face the consequences of their actions”, he added.