MURIC reacts to death of OAU master’s student in Ile-Ife hotel, appeals for calm
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
An Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has appealed to members of the public to remain calm and to desist from undue speculations capable of making them jump to conclusions. The appeal came in the wake of the death of a postgraduate student of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Timothy Adegoke Oludare, in a hotel in Ile-Ife.
The director of the human rights organisation, Professor Ishaq Akintola, made the appeal on Saturday, 20th November, 2021.
The group said: “MURIC has come across two audio messages containing passionate appeals made by the owner of a hotel, Dr. Raymond (Rahman) Adedoyin and his wife, Chief Mrs. Iyabo Adedoyin, the Yeyemaye of Ile Ife. The couple appealed to members of the public, particularly the people of Ile Ife, to give them the chance to prove their innocence.
“The passionate appeals struck a cord in us and we decided to join them in appealing to the good people of Ile Ife and its environs in particular and to Nigerians in general. The concern of the Muslim Rights Concern is humanity, the milk of kindness that flows from the breasts of caring mothers as well as our love for justice and fairplay. We are deeply worried that the innocent may suffer unduely. We are motivated by social responsibility.
“We appeal to the people of Ile Ife in particular to ponder over the popular Yoruba prover which says, ‘Though several heads are cut off at the shrine, many of them belong to the innocent’ (Ori yeye ni mogun, ti alaise lo po). This is why nobody should jump to conclusions.
“We have faith in the Nigeria police. They have unearthed many crimes in the past and they will crack this too. We therefore appeal to all and sundry to allow the police to do its work. Justice will be served and there will be no coverup. It is a dastardly crime and those behind it must face the full wrath of the law. At least civil society groups like MURIC are already monitoring the case. We also call on elders and other stakeholders to continue to calm frayed nerves, particularly among the youth.
“Both the Islamic and Christian scriptures teach us to investigate all matters until we find the truth instead of rushing to judge (Glorious Qur’an 49:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Deuteronomy 13:14). It therefore behoves all of us to wait patiently until the police finish their findings.
“MURIC appeals to the Osun Police Command to handle this case with utmost diligence and professionalism. Blackstone’s ratio 10:1 in criminal law affirms that it is better for ten criminals to go scot free than for a single innocent person to suffer unduly.
“We commiserate with the bereaved family and pray that Allah will grant them the fortitude to bear the loss. We equally remember the Adedoyin family and the families of the hotel staff who are presently in distress. We share your fears and worries in this moment of trial. We charge you to be strong and to have faith. The Supreme Creator is merely testing you (Glorious Qur’an 2:155; 29:2-3; Deuteronomy 8:2; Job 13:9). This cup shall pass.
“MURIC calls on Nigerians to pray for the suspects and members of their families because only Allah knows what really transpired at this moment. It can happen to anybody. Pray that you are not at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
