The Oyo State chapter of the Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN) has announced its decision to boycott the 2025 Oyo State Judiciary New Legal Year Service, citing exclusion and disregard for the association’s input in the planning of the event.
In a statement released after its general meeting held on September 7, 2025, the association said the move was prompted by what it described as “unilateral decisions” by the Judiciary concerning key aspects of the programme.
The resolution, jointly signed by the Chairman, I.A. Saka (Esq.), and the Secretary, Mukhtar Aderogba (Esq.), alleged that the Judiciary moved the venue of the ceremony from the Ibadan Central Mosque, Oja’aba, to a new location without consulting Muslim lawyers, despite their long-standing involvement in the annual event.
“Secondly, the Judiciary has abolished the goodwill messages that NBA, MULAN, and the Muslim Community of Oyo State traditionally give at the programme, thus depriving us of the opportunity to express our views on important issues within the justice system and the polity at large,” the statement read.
MULAN also expressed concern that, less than a week before the scheduled date, the association had not received a formal invitation to the ceremony.
The statement added that senior members of the Bar, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), met with the Judiciary in an effort to resolve the matter but that the meeting ended without agreement. According to the association, judicial authorities insisted that the programme was “strictly a Judiciary affair” and that their decisions would stand.
“Consequently, the Association has resolved that all Muslim lawyers should boycott the Legal Year Service for this year,” MULAN stated. “It is important to comply with this decision to restore the honour of our Association and to obey the decision of our leaders as enjoined by Allah in the Holy Qur’an.”
The Oyo State Judiciary’s New Legal Year Service is an annual event that marks the beginning of the legal calendar. It traditionally features interfaith prayers and goodwill messages from various legal and religious bodies.
In past years, the event has alternated between Christian and Muslim venues in a show of unity and mutual respect. However, this year’s changes have triggered concerns about inclusivity and consultation among the legal community.
So far, officials of the Oyo State Judiciary had yet to issue an official response to the boycott threat.
Observers and legal practitioners are calling for dialogue between the Judiciary and MULAN to ensure that the Legal Year Service continues to reflect the diversity, fairness, and unity that underpin the justice system in Oyo State.
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