The Association of Traditional Worshippers in Nigeria has called for equal religious recognition and protection for adherents of African Traditional Religion following reports of a planned protest by a Muslim group over the Nigerian Law School’s enforcement of its dress code during the ongoing Bar Final Examinations.
The association said it supported the Law School’s decision to enforce its established examination rules, particularly amid reports that some Muslim students wore hijabs in violation of the prescribed dress code.
However, it argued that any religious concession granted to Muslim students should also be extended to adherents of African Traditional Religion, insisting that all religious groups were entitled to equal treatment.
In a statement signed by the association, it said its position was based on the principles of equality, religious freedom and non-discrimination.
“If Muslim students are permitted to wear hijabs during examinations on the basis of religious convictions, then students who practise traditional African religions must equally be permitted to manifest their religious identities and convictions without discrimination, marginalisation or institutional hostility,” it said.
The group commended the Nigerian Law School authorities for enforcing their regulations, describing the decision as a demonstration of institutional discipline and commitment to established rules.
It maintained that institutions would struggle to function effectively if their regulations were inconsistently applied or subjected to pressure and intimidation from religious groups.
The association also criticised what it described as selective demands for religious accommodation, arguing that traditional worshippers should not be denied rights extended to followers of other faiths.
“Religious freedom cannot be a privilege reserved for Christianity and Islam while traditional worshippers are treated as second-class citizens in their own country,” the statement added.
Citing Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution, the association said the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion applied to all beliefs, including indigenous African religious traditions.
It urged the Law School to ensure fairness and consistency in implementing its dress code, arguing that any religious accommodation provided to students should apply equally to all recognised religious beliefs.
The association said the institution could either extend such concessions without discrimination or enforce its dress code uniformly, without yielding to threats or intimidation.
It also appealed to the Muslim group reportedly planning a demonstration to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue, rather than resorting to protests over an issue it said should be addressed through established administrative and legal channels.
Reaffirming its position, the association declared: “Our position is simple: Equal rights, equal recognition and equal protection for all religions.”
It stressed that adherents of African Traditional Religion were entitled to the same constitutional protections as other Nigerians, warning against any arrangement that could elevate one religion above others.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and no religion has a superior claim to citizenship, dignity or constitutional protection,” the statement said.
