Grand Chief Imam commends legal action over alleged religious desecration, appeals for calm

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Fodilatul Sheikh (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has cautioned social media influencer, Ifagbemiro Olamigoke Adewola, popularly known as Bennylee, against actions and public statements capable of inciting religious hatred, provoking adherents of Islam and undermining peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

The religious leader also urged citizens to allow the courts to determine issues arising from the ongoing criminal proceedings involving the influencer, insisting that grievances relating to religion should always be resolved through lawful and constitutional means.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Grand Chief Imam, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, the Islamic leader said he was deeply concerned about the increasing use of social media platforms to ridicule religious beliefs, provoke adherents of different faiths and create avoidable tension.

The statement noted that the warning followed criminal proceedings currently before a Magistrate Court in Ilorin over allegations against Bennylee. According to the statement, the matter has been adjourned to August 6, 2026, after a direct criminal complaint alleging offences bordering on incitement, insulting or inciting contempt against a religious creed, defiling an object of religious significance and injurious falsehood.

The complaint reportedly arose from allegations that traditional sacrificial items, including a calabash containing boiled eggs and palm oil, were placed on the Holy Qur’an—an act the complainant considered offensive and capable of provoking religious tension.

While acknowledging that the matter is already before a competent court, the Grand Chief Imam stressed that he would not comment on the substance of the allegations, urging all parties to respect the judicial process and avoid actions capable of prejudicing the case.

He, however, warned that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly and within the limits prescribed by law.

According to him, no individual should exploit social media platforms to desecrate what others consider sacred, promote religious hatred or inflame public sentiments capable of threatening national peace.

The Islamic leader also expressed concern over what he described as recent comments by the influencer on Shariah, saying many Muslims regarded the statements as inflammatory, misleading and hostile to Islam.

He explained that Shariah forms an integral part of Islamic faith and that Muslims possess the constitutional right to practise and discuss their religious beliefs within the ambit of Nigerian law.

He cautioned against portraying Shariah as an instrument of coercion or religious domination, saying misinformation and fear-mongering could deepen religious intolerance and erode the long-standing culture of peaceful coexistence in Yorubaland.

Drawing from his legal background, the Grand Chief Imam reminded Nigerians that constitutional rights come with corresponding responsibilities, noting that publications capable of inciting religious hatred, provoking disorder or violating the rights of others could attract legal consequences where established by a competent court.

He advised Bennylee to seek a better understanding of Islam through dialogue with knowledgeable scholars rather than allowing prejudice or misinformation to shape his views.

According to him, Islam promotes peace, justice, mercy and compassion, while the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the example of Prophet Muhammad encourage wisdom, patience and peaceful engagement with people of different beliefs.

The Grand Chief Imam also commended Barrister U.S. Imam and his legal team for pursuing legal redress through the courts instead of resorting to self-help or confrontation.

He described their approach as a demonstration of confidence in the rule of law and urged them to remain committed to the judicial process until the matter is conclusively determined.

He equally appealed to Muslims across Yorubaland and Nigeria to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding irrespective of the level of provocation.

“No one should take the law into his or her own hands. Justice is best pursued through legitimate institutions established by law,” he said.

The Islamic leader further urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, public officials, content creators and social media influencers to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public communications, stressing that Nigeria’s unity depends on mutual respect among adherents of different faiths.

He concluded by calling on Nigerians to embrace dialogue, understanding and tolerance, expressing confidence that lasting peace is achievable when citizens learn to disagree without hatred and engage one another with respect.