ISI Hijab crisis: Out of court settlement fails, as court adjourns till May 14

The out-of-court settlement embarked upon by parties in a suit
filed by 14 students of the International School, Ibadan (ISI) on
behalf of the ISI Muslim Parents Forum, to contest restriction of
the use of hijab on school uniform within the school premises has
hit a deadlock and the matter will now be going back for
hearing.

The 14 pupils (all minors) filed the suit against the University
of Ibadan, ISI, Mrs Phebean Olowe, the ISI principal and Professor
Abideen Adeyinka Aderinto, the chairman board of governors of the
ISI to ask for court orders for the enforcement of their
fundamental rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion
and freedom from discrimination, right to dignify of human persons
and right to education.

At the last hearing on the matter, the parties had agreed to
explore an out-of-court settlement and reach an amicable resolution
to the crisis.

Earlier in the matter, the court had agreed that other parties
which includes traditional worshippers and other interested
students and Alumni association to join the suit as interested
parties after the claimants raised no objection to their
application.

But at the resumed hearing of the matter before Justice Ladiran
Akintola of the Oyo State High Court sitting at Ringroad in Ibadan
on Friday, rather than give a report of settlement, parties had
informed the court that deliberations to resolve the matter
amicably failed.

Counsel to the first four respondents; Dr. B.A.M Ajibade had
informed the court that non of the parties in the case was ready to
shift ground on the issue.

Counsel to the student applicants, Mr. Hassan Fajimite further
told the court that as a result of the failed attempt to settle out
of court, he had amended his charge to reflect those who signified
to be joined in the case and had requested for time to perfect the
processes.

Ruling on the submission, Justice Akintola noted that there was
no need for anybody to be rigid on the issue, adding that either
Islam or Christianity is no one’s native religion.

He warned all the parties in the case not to allow their
agitation to cause discord in the school and gave the parties just
14 days to perfect their processes.

Justice Ladiran further enjoined them to make more efforts to
settle the issue amicably within 21 days and adjourned the matter
to May 14 for further hearing.