The landmark judgment delivered on July 20, 2026, by the High Court of Justice in Ibadan, in Suit No: I/47/2026—between Sumaiya Ayanrinde and four others against the Governor of
Oyo State and three others—is a profound victory for constitutional democracy and educational equity. The court's unequivocal declaration that prohibiting female Muslim students from wearing the hijab in government-owned public schools bearing Christian names is unconstitutional and unlawful brings a definitive end to a deeply divisive administrative practice. As clearly outlined in the originating summons, these young claimants courageously sought to protect their fundamental human rights, and the judiciary has rightfully validated their stance. This ruling firmly establishes that a school's historical or nominal religious heritage cannot be weaponised by the state to suppress the religious identity of students in a publicly funded institution.
 
I deeply commend His Lordship for meticulously anchoring this judgment on the unshakable bedrock of the Nigerian Constitution, specifically Sections 38(1) and 42(1), which guarantee absolute freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as well as robust protection against discrimination. The court has powerfully reaffirmed, by granting the declaratory reliefs, that government-owned schools are legally bound to operate in a strictly secular and neutral manner, entirely free from religious bias or systemic exclusion. As well, the court correctly identified that barring these students from the classroom unjustifiably violates their fundamental right to education under Section 18 of the Constitution and Article 17 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. Education is the greatest equaliser in our society, and no child in Oyo State should ever be forced to choose between their faith and their academic future.
 
This monumental decision in Oyo State does not exist in a vacuum; rather, it beautifully aligns our local jurisprudence with established, binding national precedent. We must recall the historic June 2022 Supreme Court judgment which definitively upheld the constitutional right of female Muslim students to wear the hijab in Lagos State public schools, striking down similar discriminatory bans as a clear violation of fundamental rights. The Oyo State High Court has mirrored this apex court ruling and has solidified the principle that the religious freedoms of our students are inalienable and must be uniformly protected across the Nigerian federation. It is a brilliant testament to the fact that our judicial system remains the last, impregnable hope of the common man, fully capable of checking institutional overreach and protecting minority rights.
 
The operational directives issued by the court in this judgment are as crucial as the declarations themselves. The granting of a perpetual injunction restraining the state government and its privies from enforcing any anti-hijab policy ensures that our female students can immediately return to their classrooms with their dignity and confidence fully intact. Furthermore, the explicit order directing the defendants to issue a formal circular permitting the hijab in compliance with the National Policy and NERDC guidelines leaves absolutely no room for administrative ambiguity. The court’s deliberate decision to award ₦10,000,000.00 in general damages and ₦1,000,000.00 as the cost of litigation serves as a strong judicial reprimand against impunity, it also sends a clear message that the state will face serious consequences for infringing on the constitutional rights of its citizens.
 
I must take a moment to really thank the brilliant legal team, expertly led by Barr. Kazeem Gbadamosi, SAN, for their exceptional dedication to justice in this case. Equally deserving of our deepest admiration is the unyielding courage of the five young claimants and their steadfast parents and guardians: Sumaiya and her guardian Ayanrinde Daud; Rodiya and Mr. Ibrahim; Alimoh and Mr. Onanuga; Dolapo and Mr. Adetunji; as well as Maryam and Malam AbdulAfeez. These families stood tall when it mattered most. This victory would also be incomplete without acknowledging the relentless advocacy of key Islamic stakeholders and human rights defenders, including Ustadh Isiaq AbdulAfeez (Abu Jafar), Amir of ACADIP Oyo State; Mallam Daud Ayanrinde of ACADIP, popularly known as Jesus; and Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC). I wish to specially extend my utmost gratitude to the Muslim Community of Oyo State, under the visionary leadership of Alh. Isiaq Kunle Sanni, whose institutional backing and unshakeable guidance proved instrumental in securing this historic constitutional triumph.
 
Beyond words of commendation, I wish to express my profound appreciation to the exceptional legal team, led by Barr. Kazeem Gbadamosi, SAN, the five courageous claimants, and their dedicated parents and guardians whose resilience and unwavering commitment made this historic constitutional victory possible. As a modest demonstration of my admiration for their courage, sacrifice, and steadfast defence of justice, I intend to extend a personal financial token of appreciation to the lead counsel, the claimants, and their parents. While no monetary gesture can truly measure the significance of their contribution to the advancement of constitutional rights and religious freedom in Oyo State, I hope this token will serve as a sincere expression of my gratitude and recognition for their boldness in standing for justice on behalf of present and future generations.
 
As a core progressive advocate for total inclusion and systemic fairness, I strongly urge the Oyo State Government, the Commissioner for Education, and all relevant school administrators to embrace this judgment in good faith and ensure immediate, seamless compliance. The issuance of the mandated circular must be expedited to prevent any rogue enforcement, harassment, or victimisation by individual school principals. Concurrently, I appeal to our Muslim communities, parents, and students to receive this legal victory with grace, maturity, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence with their peers of all other faiths. Our collective focus in Oyo State must now return to the critical task of upgrading our educational infrastructure and building a "Realistic Tomorrow" where every single child is empowered to succeed in an environment defined by absolute tolerance, unity, and shared prosperity.
 
~ Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)
Former Oyo State Governorship Aspirant
APC… PROGRESS!
AKK! Aseyori ni tiwa
AKK!! Ajọṣe, Ajoje
AKK!!! A Task That Must Be Done.
Tuesday, July 28 2026.