Christian leaders in Osun State have moved against the alleged plans to have the Principal of Baptist High School, Ejigbo, Mr. Layi Oguntola, transferred out of the school.
Oguntola was attacked and beaten up last week by some Muslim youths who accused him of removing a pupil’s hijab, but the principal has since denied the allegation.
A source in Ejigbo told our correspondent on Sunday that the Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Nojeem Salam, held a meeting with some religious leaders from Ejigbo in his office where he proposed that the principal be transferred in order to have peace in the town.
The suggestion was said to have been rejected by the Christians at the meeting.
The source said that the Christian leaders opposed the move, alleging that the proposed transfer was a ploy to bring in a Muslim principal, who would promote the use of hijab in the school.
A Baptist cleric, who pleaded not to be mentioned, also said that the church was aware of the plan and was ready to resist any plan to use hijab in the school.
The pastor said, “We are aware of the plan and we are waiting for them. I am telling you that we will reject it with everything that we have. Every one of us will be part of a non- stop protest if Oguntola should be transferred.”
But the speaker denied proposing that Oguntola be transferred from the school.
The speaker, who spoke through his media aide, Mr. Goke Butika, in an interview with our correspondent said that he did not make such proposal.
Butika said, “This is not true. The speaker just attended a function by the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ejigbo chapter, where he donated a bus.”
Salam had earlier in a statement made available to journalists urged religious leaders in the state to preach gospel of peaceful coexistence.
Meanwhile, the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin, has held a meeting with religious leaders in the town to ensure that peace was restored to the community.
Our correspondent learnt that the meeting was held at the premises of Baptist High School, Ejigbo, on Saturday with the aim of easing the tension in the town in the wake of the attack on the principal.
A source who attended the meeting said that the religious leaders in attendance promised to prevail on their followers to shun violence and live together in unity.
Copyright PUNCH.
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