Opinion: The debate of secularism and Osun Hijab controversy

Following an Osogbo High Court judgement which allowed Muslim female students in public schools located in the State of Osun to wear hijab along with their uniform, there was tension which some had reported could have developed into religious crisis in Osun State. This tension was fanned by the appearance of Christian students from Baptist High School, Adeeke, Ìwo, in robes just as Muslim female students wear hijab along with their uniform.

Though it has been reported that tension in the State of Osun has doused following stake holders meeting which brought together concerned parties of the crisis. The role played by Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN), Osun State Chapter, has been the most criticised since the court judgement with Gov. Aregbesola claiming he knew nothing about it in spite the fact that it is known that Governors appoint Chief Justice of their States. Analysis have been made, tolerance have been preached and secularism of public institutions have been mentioned.

Saying it is not a fundamental right for Muslim female students to wear hijab along with their uniform is wrong and to say it is offensive of Christian students to put on robes along with their uniform is pure hypocrisy. Yes, the judgement was made in favor of Muslim students, but the reasons considered will favor christian students also, which is freedom to manifest and propagate personal belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance. Religion is personal and so also is the feeling of segregation.

The principle of secularism of Nigeria as a country is not for decoration but as deterrence to any potential threat which is capable of segregating the country along religion lines in fulfilment of consolidated unity of Nigeria as a state which is the very purpose of Nigeria’s Constitution.

This principle of secularism should be more pronounced in public schools than any other public institutions because that is where societal values are incorporated into the lifestyle of young Nigerians and this will guarantee a united country void of religious segregation.

It is unfortunate that a court can give such a judgement which is capable of segregating the State of Osun along religious lines, it is unfortunate that a governor will be overwhelmed with religious bias that the division of our dear Osun along religion lines will not hurt his heart as if it has been pierced with an arrow. Why must we walk this path of segregation when the usage of beret will serve the same purpose as hijab; covering of the female hair.

The criticism of CAN is mostly unjustified, since what they are agitating for is for the State of Osun to remain secular. At this point, we must begin to clearly re-evaluate our policies and reconsider our stand if we must ensure the unity of Yorùbá nation. It will be self-destructive for us as a people if we allow our younger ones to grow with consciousness of Muslim, Christian identity ahead of Yorùbá identity.

There is collective need for us to ensure that irrespective of our religion, we continue to co-exist peacefully, tolerate our differences and reaching understanding on those issues that unite our religious belief together. Covering of the hair by females was thaught by both the Bible and the Quran, which is why beret usage is seen as a measure to ensure that these teachings are adhered to while preserving the secularity of public schools.

To those that are asking why CAN can not tolerate hijab usage in public schools that are supposed to be secular in nature and essence? My question to you is that; why can’t our Muslim brothers and sisters allow their wards to attend public schools in the spirit of secularism while covering their head with the use of beret instead of hijab. Hijab or not, the goal needed to be achieved is covering of the female hair.

In November 30, 2011, the issue of hijab came up for discussion and leaders of the two religions agreed that only conventional uniforms would be allowed in public schools located in Osun State. It is unfortunate that a group later went to court and now ask for the judgment to be implemented.

The question once again is that; why would hijab become an issue now when Christians and Muslims have been living happily together for decades without crisis? Governor Rauf Aregbesola should intervene having in mind the continuous need for public schools to remain secular and the preservation of Yorùbá unity.

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Abiola Akintunde is a political commentator based in Nigeria. He tweets at @AAbiolat on twitter, blogs on www.abiolaoakintunde.wordpress.com and can be reached via [email protected]

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