By Charles Akpeji, Jalingo

The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, has raised alarm over the reported suspension of a mosque construction project at Ede High School in Osun State, describing the development as a serious violation of religious freedom and due process.

In a statement issued and signed by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, a copy of which was made available to The Guardian on Friday, MPAC alleged that the stoppage was influenced by the Seventh Day Adventist Church and businessman Dr. Deji Adeleke, despite the project having received official approval from the Osun State Ministry of Education.

“This incident is not merely about a building. It is about whether the rule of law will be respected when it does not serve private interests. It is about whether the faith identity of Muslim students in public institutions can be dignified in the same manner as others expect for themselves,” Kamor stated

MPAC described Ede as a predominantly Muslim community, lamenting what it sees as persistent obstacles faced by Muslim students in expressing their faith, including the right to communal worship.

The group warned that halting the mosque project symbolises a wider problem of using private influence to suppress the rights of minority groups.

The organisation called on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to intervene and ensure construction resumes without hindrance. It also urged the state’s Ministry of Education to uphold its earlier approval and cautioned security agencies to investigate any intimidation surrounding the project.

MPAC appealed to faith leaders and civic actors to speak out, emphasising that the situation “demands moral clarity and courage.”

“Peace is not the absence of noise; it is the presence of justice,” Kamor said, urging the Ede Muslim community to remain calm but resolute in pursuing their constitutional rights.

MPAC reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful dialogue and lawful advocacy, emphasising that building the mosque is not just about bricks and mortar, but about upholding justice and promoting societal maturity.