South-West CAN meets in Osun, appeals against implementation of hijab ruling

The South-West leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday stormed Osun State on solidarity visit to Christians in the state on the introduction of wearing of hijab in public schools by Muslim female students.

Despite the heavy presence of policemen, the association still held a closed-door meeting at the state secretariat to discuss burning issues affecting CAN and propagation of Christian faith.

Besides, the Osun State Chapter of CAN has commenced legal battle on the controversial introduction of hijab in the state public schools as it filed a stay of execution on the June 3 judgment of an Osogbo High Court allowing Muslim students to wear veil (hijab) in public schools.

The state chairman of CAN, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, told the visiting leadership of the association about the legal action aimed at stopping implementation of the court judgment during their meeting.

Speaking on behalf of the zonal chairman, Archbishop Magnus Atilade, the Secretary of South-West CAN, Rev. Alfred Aro, stated that any attempt by Muslim students to wear hijab to schools after the appeal would imply that CAN too would ensure all forms of garments are worn to schools in the state.

He noted that Falola’s judgment negated the spirit of secularism of the nation “and it violates the religious rights of the original owner of the missionary schools as agreed upon when the schools were taken over by the then government of Oyo State in 1975.”

The zonal CAN also expressed concern on ban of morning devotions in schools in some states in the country, saying the action must be rescinded.