Daud Olatunji
The Grand Chief Imam of Oyoland, Fodhilatu Shaykh Imam Bilaal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has called for strict compliance with court orders and the Constitution, warning against actions capable of undermining the rule of law and religious harmony in Nigeria.
Shaykh Bilaal, in a statement issued by his office on Wednesday, also urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to discharge their constitutional responsibilities professionally and within the confines of the law.
The cleric expressed concern over alleged actions attributed to Yoruba activist, Oloye Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho, particularly an allegation that he obstructed police officers while carrying out their duties.
He consequently called on the Oyo State and Federal Governments, the judiciary and members of the legal profession to ensure that all citizens, irrespective of status, respect lawful orders and cooperate with security agencies.
“No individual should have the audacity or temerity to treat a valid court order with impunity or obstruct security agencies from carrying out their constitutional responsibilities,” he said.
The Grand Chief Imam also raised concerns over alleged social media statements attributed to an individual identified as Tani Ọlọhun, which he said were considered defamatory and insulting to Islamic scholars, Muslims and sacred Islamic symbols.
He listed the names and attributes of Allah, Prophet Muhammad, the Quran and the sanctity of Makkah among symbols held in high reverence by Muslims.
According to him, perceived attacks on such symbols could hurt religious sensitivities and create unnecessary tension.
Shaykh Bilaal, however, stressed that religious grievances should be addressed through lawful and peaceful channels rather than confrontation, violence or retaliation.
He urged relevant authorities to investigate the allegations against Tani Ọlọhun and, where necessary, invite him to respond to the reported statements.
The cleric warned against religious provocation, saying no individual should deliberately insult another religion, its adherents or sacred symbols and expect such conduct to be ignored.
“Nobody can be so daring as to insult the sensitivity of any religion in Nigeria and expect the adherents of such religion to keep silent,” he said.
Despite the warning, the Grand Chief Imam appealed to religious leaders across the country to exercise restraint in their public statements and actions, particularly those capable of escalating religious tension.
He said Nigeria required peace, unity, mutual respect and religious tolerance rather than confrontation and violence.
Shaykh Bilaal further urged the police and other relevant authorities to handle investigations and enforcement professionally, while calling on citizens to cooperate with lawful processes.
He appealed to the Oyo State and Federal Governments to take appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence of actions that could undermine public order, religious harmony and respect for the rule of law.
The Grand Chief Imam prayed for peace and stability across the South-West and Nigeria, urging Muslims, Christians, traditional institutions and other Nigerians to respect one another’s faith, lawful rights and constitutional responsibilities.
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