Traditionalists Petition Makinde Over Alleged Religious Discrimination in BCOS

Adherents of traditional religion in Nigeria's Oyo State have lodged a formal complaint against the chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), accusing her of religious discrimination. The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), representing traditionalists, claims that Mrs. Dotun Olaitan, the BCOS Board of Directors Chairman, acted against the spirit of religious tolerance.

According to a petition filed by their counsel, Mr. Kunle Sobaloju, and addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde, the traditionalists allege that Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, the President of ICIR and a representative of the Ifa religion, was subjected to hostility and humiliation. Fakayode had been invited by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) to participate in an interfaith prayer program for BCOS staff.

The petition asserts that Mrs. Olaitan's actions constitute an abuse of office and a violation of constitutional rights, potentially disrupting peaceful religious coexistence in the state. The traditionalists view the incident as a direct assault on the dignity and rights of Yoruba Traditional Religion adherents. They are urging Governor Makinde to intervene immediately.

Furthermore, the traditionalists implore the governor to order the withdrawal and expungement of all warning letters, queries, and disciplinary sanctions issued to BCOS staff. These actions were reportedly taken against employees who facilitated the participation of the Ifa religion representative in the interfaith gathering. The petition explicitly cites Sections 38(1) and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and prohibit discrimination based on faith, emphasizing BCOS's obligation as a state-funded institution to maintain religious neutrality.

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Section 38(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to manifest and propagate such religion or belief. Section 42 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination against any citizen on the basis of religion. As a public institution established and funded by the Government of Oyo State, BCOS is under a constitutional obligation to maintain strict neutrality in matters of religion and to treat adherents of all faiths equally.