Ijebu Chief Imam clarifies mosque ban on braids, tattoos for men

The office of the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Shaykh Miftaudeen Ayanbadejo, has clarified a ban on men with plaited hair and earrings from congregational prayers, saying the move was not punitive, Punch reported. The directive, announced during Jumu’ah prayers on Friday at the Ijebu Ode Central Mosque, Oyingbo, was aimed at promoting modest dressing, cleanliness and proper conduct among worshippers.

Spokesman Dr Oyekolade Oyesanya said in a statement that the directive must not be interpreted as an order to exclude any Muslim from the mosque. He said, “It is, however, important to emphasise that the objective is guidance, not humiliation; admonition, not alienation; and the promotion of religious consciousness, not the exclusion of individuals from the Muslim community.”

The Chief Imam appealed to congregants to receive the announcement in its proper and true spirit, dress modestly, maintain decorum and avoid unnecessary distractions during services. Oyesanya added, “The doors of the Mosque remain open to Muslims seeking the pleasure of Allah.”