MURIC Hails Akintola’s Sultan’s Special Recognition Award

Editor November 8, 2026 2 minutes read

The Oyo State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has described the Special Recognition Award conferred on its Founder and Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, by the Sultan of Sokoto as a well-deserved honour for his decades of advocacy for religious freedom, justice and peaceful coexistence.

The award was presented to Akintola on Monday, November 2, 2026, by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, during the 13th Usman Dan Fodio Week and the 20th Coronation Anniversary of the Sultan.

The ceremony, held at the International Conference Centre, Kasarawa, Sokoto State, attracted traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, Islamic scholars, academics and other prominent Nigerians from within and outside the country.

In a congratulatory statement dated November 8, 2026, the Secretary of MURIC, Oyo State Chapter, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, said the recognition reflected Akintola’s longstanding commitment to defending the oppressed, promoting justice and protecting religious freedom in Nigeria.

Agunbiade noted that Akintola had remained a consistent voice in advocating the rights of Nigerian Muslims to practise their faith without discrimination, intimidation or persecution.

The chapter particularly commended the MURIC founder for dedicating the award to Muslims facing religious persecution in Nigeria, describing the gesture as evidence of his selflessness and commitment to the collective interests of the Muslim Ummah.

It said the honour extended beyond Akintola as an individual, describing it as a recognition of MURIC, the Nigerian Muslim community and everyone committed to justice, equity and religious freedom.

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The chapter prayed for continued good health, wisdom and strength for Akintola, expressing hope that the recognition would inspire greater efforts towards promoting justice and protecting fundamental human rights in the country.

“May this recognition inspire greater commitment to the struggle for justice and the protection of fundamental human rights in Nigeria,” the statement said.