By John Dike, Osogbo
The Artisans, Peasants and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN), Ile-Ife branch, has appealed to the Federal and State Governments, the Nigeria Police Force, and key stakeholders to intervene in the ongoing harassment and extortion of its members by some individuals allegedly acting on behalf of the traditional institution.
In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Saidi Adegoke (Coordinator) and Comrade Monsur Jimoh (Secretary), the group alleged that a group of men stormed the Ojatuntun Otisese Weekly Market, forcefully seizing goods from APTAN members over their refusal to pay a traditional festival levy
According to the statement, items allegedly seized from APTAN members included:, Mannequins with clothing several gallons of vegetable oil, and Other market goods belonging to small-scale traders
Adegoke said this is not an isolated case, stating: “For over five years, our members — many of whom are Muslims — have suffered repeated harassment and seizure of goods for refusing to pay levies tied to traditional festivals. These practices contradict our faith and violate our fundamental rights.”
APTAN maintained that compelling Muslim traders to fund religious practices associated with Isese (traditional religion) infringes on their freedom of religion and conscience, as protected by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“Every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion… to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.”
It said furthermore, Section 44(1) protects all citizens from unlawful seizure of property, which Adegoke described as a “gross violation” and “economic assault”.
APTAN emphasized that the association holds the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, in high regard and does not believe that the revered monarch is directly aware of these actions. Rather, they suspect the involvement of certain high chiefs acting without the Palace’s consent.
“We recently paid a courtesy visit to Chief Jimoh Olaoluwa Odeyemi, the Babaloja of Odo-Ogbe, urging him to intervene and prevent this harassment. Sadly, our appeal was ignored,” the statement read.
The association also highlighted its contributions to the socio-economic development of Ile-Ife.
“We are sons and daughters of Ile-Ife, not outsiders. Our commitment to the community is clear. So why should we be punished for simply practicing our faith?” Adegoke queried.
“We are calling for the immediate return of seized goods, an end to coercion, and respect for religious freedom in line with the Constitution of Nigeria.”
APTAN reaffirmed its commitment to peace, dialogue, and lawful civic conduct, urging traditionalists and other community actors to respect the pluralism and diversity that define modern Ile-Ife.
