Mirror Awards 2026: Sheikh Akeugberu insists no true Muslim has right to take any life

…links faith, clean living to national health

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyoland, Sheikh Billal Akinola Husayn Akeugberu, has declared that no true Muslim has the right to take the life of any human being, stressing that acts of violence often attributed to religion are driven by ignorance rather than true Islamic teachings.

Akeugberu made this known during an interview with journalists at the 2026 Mirror Excellence Awards for Heroes of Our Time, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Lagos, last Thursday.

Describing the event as “overwhelming,” the cleric offered prayers for the organisers, expressing hope that The Mirror Newspaper would continue to grow and achieve greater heights.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, “X-raying the Salt: Safeguarding National Health,” Akeugberu emphasised the importance of healthy living, urging Nigerians to adopt good dietary habits, maintain clean environments, and remain spiritually grounded.

“As far as our health is concerned, we must consume what is good, live in clean surroundings and stay close to God, who regulates all aspects of our lives—biological, physical and environmental,” he said.

On the security situation in Oyoland, the cleric described the environment as peaceful and healthy, noting that incidents of insecurity, including attacks on farmers, are isolated and being addressed by security agencies.

While acknowledging pockets of unrest, he called for stronger efforts from security agencies and urged religious institutions to intensify prayers for national peace and stability.

Addressing fears among Muslim faithful about travelling within Nigeria, Akeugberu reassured that there was no reason for panic, urging believers to remain steadfast in faith.

“After fulfilling your religious obligations and committing your affairs to God, you have no cause to fear. God is the ultimate protector,” he said.

On inter-religious tensions, the Imam firmly rejected claims linking Islam to violence, insisting that such acts are perpetrated by individuals who lack proper understanding of the faith.

Illustrative photograph

“What we have are people who disguise as Muslims but are not. No true Muslim would unjustifiably take even the life of a a rat, let alone a human being,” he stated.

“what we have are lots of people who camouflage as Muslims but are not, who are hellbent on destroying the peace of Nigeria. I don’t think any Muslim would have anything to do with killing even a rat unjustifiably, let alone a human being.

Illustrative photograph

“The Prophet said that even when you are about to kill a ram for sacrifice, let the ram be at peace. And you make sure your knife is sharpened so that you don’t subject the animals into unnecessary torture let alone a human being. In fact, no Muslim, and I repeat it again, no Muslim has the right under the law of Islam to take the life of any soul. I am not saying of any Christian, am saying the life of any soul stall created by God.

“That soul is being maintained every 24 hours which consists of 1,141 minutes or 86,400 seconds. God is taking care of that life Why must you take it?

Some of the guests at the Mirror Newspaper Conference

“And I stand corrected, not that I stand to be corrected, I stand corrected that no Muslim has the right to take any soul let alone taking it under the pretext of jihad or trying to fight for God, that’s not in the Quran,”

He stressed that Islamic teachings uphold justice, compassion and peaceful coexistence, adding that the Quran encourages fairness and respect for people of other faiths.

Akeugberu further urged clerics and scholars to intensify public enlightenment, warning against blind adherence to misleading doctrines.

“A Muslim is not a fool. You must seek evidence from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet before accepting any instruction. Anything outside that is not of God,” he added.

Oluwafemi

Also speaking at the event, the keynote speaker, Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), raised concerns over rising salt consumption in Nigeria.

Represented by Ogunlade Olamide Martins, he described excessive salt intake as a “silent driver” of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases, warning that Nigerians consume about 10 grams daily—double the World Health Organization’s recommended limit.

He noted that many sudden deaths often attributed to mysterious causes are actually linked to undiagnosed conditions worsened by poor dietary habits, particularly high salt intake.

Oluwafemi also highlighted systemic challenges affecting Nigeria’s food system, including insecurity in farming communities, poor transportation infrastructure, rising food costs and increased dependence on processed foods.

Asiwaju Kalejaye on the extreme right

In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaye (SAN), commended The Mirror Newspaper for its integrity and role in nation-building.

Similarly, the Editor-in-Chief of The Mirror Newspaper, Rev. Stanley Ihedigbo, said the “Heroes of Our Time” awards were designed to honour individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed.

“We gather to celebrate men and women whose sacrifices have made significant impacts on our communities and national development,” he said.

He added that the awards recognise farmers, factory workers, journalists and other unsung contributors to society.

The event drew a diverse audience, including youths, farmers, entrepreneurs, academics and media professionals, highlighting its broad appeal and national significance.