Hijab: Court adjourns hearing on stay of execution filed by CAN to July 19

 
An Osun State High Court in Osogbo has fixed July 19 to hear an application filed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to stay execution of judgment on the wearing of Hijab (veil) by Muslim students in Osun.

Justice Jide Falola said the adjournment was to allow for fair hearing of the application filed by the applicant/plaintiff on June 22.

Falola also tasked journalists to assist in accurate information dissemination in order to tame views and not to provoke controversy.


He said the Hijab case in the state had drawn the attention of the international community with many people expressing different views.

The judge urged the counsel to the litigants to admonish their clients not to use religion to destabilise the judiciary.
He said: “The only means to protest judgment not satisfied with is through appeal instead of exploring civil protests capable of breaching public peace.’’

Mr Olufemi Folarin Ayandokun, counsel to CAN, told newsmen that the application for injunction was filed to stay the execution of the judgment until the matter was decided at the Court of Appeal.

Ayandokun said that he believed that the interlocutory application would be given fair hearing on the next date of adjournment.

However, Mr Odedeji Kazeem, counsel to the respondent, said that a counter affidavit was filed on July 4 in response to the application filed by CAN seeking stay of execution of judgment delivered by Justice Falola.

Kazeem also appealed to journalists to be mindful of their reports and ensure accurate and balanced reportage to prevent the breakdown of law and order.

He also advised the Muslim community in the state to remain calm and not take laws into their own hands.