The Osogbo community in Osun State has announced a sweeping ban on political activities at Eid praying grounds ahead of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, in a bid to maintain peace and order.
The directive, contained in a public service announcement aired on local radio stations and circulated on social media on Thursday, prohibits political discussions, the wearing of party-branded clothing, and the display of campaign materials at prayer venues.
The statement, signed by the Asiwaju of Osogbo, Moshood Adeigbe, also placed a ban on drummers within the premises of all Eid praying grounds across the town.
According to the announcement, the decision followed a stakeholders’ meeting involving the Chief Imam of Osogbo, security agencies, political party representatives, and other community leaders under the leadership of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.
“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,” the statement read.
The community warned that the directive applies to all Eid venues within Osogbo and that violators would face arrest by security operatives.
The move comes amid concerns over the politicisation of religious gatherings, as politicians and their supporters have often used large congregations during Eid to promote candidates, especially during election periods.
Such actions have, in some instances, led to unrest. A notable example occurred on June 28, 2023, when a disagreement over seating arrangements at the Osogbo Eid ground sparked a clash involving aides of Ademola Adeleke and former Senate spokesperson Ajibola Basiru.
Basiru, who had attended the Eid-el-Kabir prayers alongside prominent indigenes, was reportedly asked to vacate a seat reserved for the governor, triggering the altercation.
Community leaders say the latest restrictions are aimed at preventing a recurrence of such incidents and ensuring a peaceful and spiritually focused Eid celebration.