The custodian of the Esuleke masquerade, Chief Kayode Esuleke, his son, Ifashola and two other persons, Kola Adeosun and Hakeem Idowu, were remanded by an Osun High Court in Osogbo yesterday, Tuesday, 14th September, 2021. The suspects are accused of involvement in the murder of Alhaji Moshood Salawudeen.
Reacting to the development, an Islamic human rights advocacy group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has hailed the decision of Justice Ayo Oyebiyi of the High Court of Osogbo to remand the suspects till 21st September 2021 for hearing of their application for bail.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group’s director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the judge’s decision as consistent with the principles of justice, the rule of law and equality before the law.
The statement reads:
“We are pleased with the decision of the High Court of Oshogbo which remanded the custodian of the Esuleke masquerade, Chief Kayode Esuleke, his son, Ifashola and two other persons, Kola Adeosun and Hakeem Idowu. It was a decision in the right direction. It is the dawn of a new beginning in justice, fairness and equity.
“An innocent man, Alhaji Moshood Salawudeen, was shot dead by traditionalists. Many other Muslims, including minors, sustained various degrees of injuries in the attack. The Muslims were holding a programme in front of their mosque at the Qomarul Islam Society of Nigeria Central Mosque at Oluode Aranyin, Osogbo on Sunday, 27th June, 2021 when the traditionalists attacked them. The attackers also vandalised the mosque.
“Chief Kayode Esuleke who is the custodian of the Esuleke masquerade has since been walking the streets freely from June to September 2021 to the chagrin of Muslims in the town. Such temerity has infuriated Muslims in Osun State but Muslim leaders prevailed on their followers to remain calm and law abiding. We have no scintilla of doubt that the judge’s decision to remand the suspects will douse tension.
“MURIC appeals to Muslims in the state and elsewhere around the country to continue to display maturity, patience and respect for constituted authority and the rule of law. On no occasion must they allow themselves to be goaded to anger or violent action. They must allow the law to take its full course.
“In the meantime we assure the Muslim community of Osun State that MURIC will not relent in its efforts to ensure that justice prevails in this case. We will continue to monitor developments until justice is not only done but is seen to have been done. Murder is not a bailable offence and Esuleke and his fellow travellers are not above the law. We urge Muslims to remain vigilant. Vigilance is the price of freedom”
