Oyo Grand Chief Imam backs FRSC move to ban preaching, hawking in commercial buses

Stanley Ihedigbo

Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has thrown his weight behind the proposed legislation by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) seeking to prohibit preaching and hawking inside commercial buses, describing the initiative as a timely measure aimed at protecting lives and improving safety on Nigerian roads.

Sheikh Akeugberu, in a statement issued from his office on Monday, said the primary responsibility of every responsible government is the protection of lives and property, stressing that every policy capable of reducing avoidable road crashes should receive the support of Nigerians irrespective of their religious, ethnic or political affiliations.

The Islamic scholar argued that commercial buses are primarily meant for transportation and should not be turned into venues for religious gatherings or other activities capable of distracting drivers and inconveniencing passengers.

According to him, passengers board commercial vehicles to travel safely to their destinations, while drivers are expected to remain focused and exercise maximum concentration on the road.

“Commercial buses are means of transportation, not places of worship or religious gatherings. Passengers board vehicles to travel safely to their destinations, while drivers are expected to concentrate fully on the road. Any activity capable of distracting drivers or creating unnecessary tension among passengers should not be encouraged,” he said.

The Grand Chief Imam expressed concern over what he described as the increasing practice of preaching inside commercial vehicles, noting that such activities could become a source of distraction for drivers and discomfort for passengers.

He further observed that preaching and other unsolicited activities inside public transport vehicles had, in some cases, resulted in arguments, altercations and avoidable security concerns among passengers.

He maintained that road safety should remain a collective responsibility, insisting that activities capable of interfering with drivers’ concentration should be discouraged in the interest of all road users.

Sheikh Akeugberu said Nigeria should learn from countries with established road safety cultures, where activities capable of distracting drivers or compromising road safety are not tolerated.

He therefore called on the National Assembly to give prompt consideration to the proposed legislation, saying its passage would be in the overall interest of public safety and the preservation of human lives.

However, the Grand Chief Imam emphasised that his support for the proposed legislation should not be interpreted as opposition to religious freedom, noting that the constitutional right to freedom of religion remains fundamental and sacrosanct.

He explained that while citizens have the right to practise and express their faith, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the limits prescribed by law, particularly when public safety and the rights of other citizens are involved.

The Islamic leader consequently appealed to religious leaders across all faiths to educate their followers on the need to conduct religious activities in appropriate and designated places instead of inside commercial vehicles, where such activities may cause distractions, inconvenience or tension among passengers.

He also cautioned individuals and groups who may consider resisting the proposed law, once enacted, against taking the law into their own hands.

According to him, Nigeria is a nation governed by the rule of law, and every citizen has a responsibility to obey duly enacted laws.

“Nigeria is a nation governed by the rule of law. Once the legislative process is concluded and the law comes into force, every citizen and resident has a constitutional obligation to obey it.

Anyone who feels aggrieved has the legitimate right to seek judicial interpretation through the courts rather than resorting to self-help or acts capable of undermining public order,” he stated.

Sheikh Akeugberu further urged security agencies and relevant enforcement authorities to ensure that any law eventually enacted on the matter is implemented professionally, fairly and without discrimination.

He stressed the importance of avoiding selective enforcement, insisting that no individual, religious organisation or group should be singled out for preferential or discriminatory treatment in the implementation of the law.

The Grand Chief Imam called on Nigerians to support lawful measures designed to reduce road accidents and protect human lives, urging citizens to place the common good above individual interests.

He said the preservation of human life remains one of the highest objectives recognised by both the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the teachings of Islam.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence, respect the rule of law and support initiatives that promote safer roads and protect the lives and property of citizens.

The FRSC’s proposed move to regulate preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles has generated public discussion, particularly around the balance between road safety, public order and the constitutional rights of citizens.

For the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, however, the central issue is the protection of lives and the prevention of avoidable road crashes, which he believes should remain a priority for government, transport operators, religious leaders and all road users.