HIJAB Wearing: Lagos Begs for More Time to settle Out of Court

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Thursday, November 14th, 2013

Ruth Bamidele, Lagos

Lagos State Government has asked an Ikeja High Court for more time to settle out of court over the ban on wearing of Hijab by female Muslim students in the state’s primary and secondary schools.

The Muslim Student Association of Nigeria (MSSN) had dragged the state government to court over the ban on the ground that it violates their fundamental human rights.

Mr. Samuel Ajanaku, Counsel to the state government urged Justice Modupe Onyeabo to grant further adjournment to enable both parties conclude on the settlement terms.

The applicants are also contending that banning female students from using Hijab on or outside the premises of any educational institution in Lagos State “is wrongful and unconstitutional”.

Earlier, the case was being handled by Justice Joseph Oyewole before it was transferred to Justice Onyeabo.

At the resumed hearing of the matter on Wednesday, counsel to the MSSN, Lagos State Area Unit, Barrister Adetola Kasim (SAN), asked the court to set down the case for hearing since the State Government had not responded to a proposal for terms of settlement sent since July, 2013.

Ajanaku in response pleaded for further adjournment claiming that bureaucratic bottlenecks in the civil service had prevented the government from responding on time.

He explained that the terms are currently at the office of the governor saying more time should be given.

However, Adetola urged the judge to let the case proceed as it is of high public interest which cannot wait any longer.

Justice Onyeabo however granted the application and adjourned the case till December 19 for report on settlement.