Traditional religion adherents petition Makinde over alleged discrimination at BCOS

Traditional religion adherents, represented by the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), have lodged a formal complaint alleging discrimination by BCOS Chairperson Mrs. Dotun Olaitan.

The petition, signed by ICIR counsel Kunle Sobaloju and addressed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, accuses Olaitan of hostile conduct toward a representative of the Ifa tradition during an interfaith prayer event held on 2 June 2026.

According to the petition, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) organized the event for BCOS staff, inviting representatives of Christianity, Islam, and the Yoruba Traditional Religion. Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, PhD, JP, a scholar and Ifa representative, was invited to speak.

ICIR alleges that Olaitan objected to Fakayode’s participation, resulting in “open hostility, disrespect, discrimination and public humiliation” directed at him solely because of his faith.

The petition cites Section 38(1) and Section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which guarantee freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and prohibit religious discrimination. It argues that BCOS, as a state‑funded public institution, must remain neutral and treat all faiths equally.

ICIR urges Governor Makinde to investigate Olaitan’s conduct and to withdraw any warnings, queries, or disciplinary actions issued to staff who facilitated the Ifa representative’s participation.

Olaitan has denied the allegations. In a telephone interview with DAILY POST, she stated that BCOS had only requested a Muslim cleric and a pastor, and that no request had been made for an Ifa priest. She claimed that the Ifa priest is a regular visitor on BCOS channels and that she did not disrespect him, noting that the entire event is recorded.