Oyo Grand Chief Imam: Freedom of expression must not become licence for religious provocation

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Fodilatul Sheikh (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has cautioned social media influencer and blogger, Ifagbemiro Olamigoke Adewola, popularly known as Bennylee, against statements and actions capable of provoking religious hatred, inciting Muslims or threatening peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths in Yorubaland and Nigeria.

The Grand Chief Imam, in a statement issued through his Director of Media and Publicity, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, also commended Barrister U.S. Imam and his legal team for resorting to lawful and constitutional channels to seek redress over allegations involving the social media influencer.

The warning comes against the backdrop of ongoing criminal proceedings before a Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, following a direct criminal complaint against Bennylee.

According to the statement, the case has been adjourned until August 6, 2026, with allegations reportedly bordering on incitement, insulting or inciting contempt of a religious creed, defiling a place of worship or an object of religious significance, and injurious falsehood.

The complaint is also said to relate to an alleged incident involving traditional sacrificial items, including a calabash containing boiled eggs and palm oil, allegedly placed on a copy of the Glorious Qur’an.

The Grand Chief Imam, however, stressed that since the matter is before a competent court, he would not pronounce on the merits of the allegations.

He urged all parties to respect the judicial process and allow the court to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without interference, prejudice or attempts to influence the proceedings.

‘Freedom of expression has responsibilities’

The Islamic leader expressed concern over what he described as the increasing use of social media platforms to provoke religious sentiments, ridicule sacred beliefs and create unnecessary tension among citizens.

He acknowledged freedom of expression as a fundamental right but maintained that such freedom should be exercised responsibly and within the limits prescribed by law.

According to him, freedom of expression should not be treated as a licence to deliberately desecrate objects or beliefs regarded as sacred, promote religious hatred or incite conduct capable of threatening public peace.

The Grand Chief Imam also expressed concern over what he described as recent public statements attributed to Bennylee concerning the practice, application and discussion of Shari’ah in Yorubaland.

He said some of the statements had been viewed by Muslims as inflammatory, misleading and hostile towards Islam.
Shari’ah integral to Islamic faith, says Imam

The Grand Chief Imam stated that Shari’ah remains an integral component of Islamic faith and that Muslims have constitutional rights to practise their religion and observe its principles within the framework of Nigerian law.

He rejected the portrayal of Shari’ah as an instrument of forced conversion or religious domination.

According to him, Muslims have the right to discuss, advocate for and practise aspects of their faith in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and applicable laws.

He therefore warned against the use of misinformation, fear-mongering and inflammatory rhetoric in discussions about Islam and Shari’ah, saying such practices could create unnecessary suspicion, deepen religious intolerance and undermine peaceful coexistence.

“Shari’ah should not be portrayed as an instrument of forced conversion or religious domination,” the statement maintained, while urging Nigerians to approach sensitive religious issues with knowledge, tolerance and respect.

‘Law will protect every citizen’

The Grand Chief Imam, who is also a legal practitioner, further reminded Nigerians that freedom of expression comes with corresponding responsibilities.

He noted that conduct or publications capable of inciting religious hatred, provoking public disorder or violating the rights of others could attract legal consequences where applicable, subject to determination by a competent court.

He stressed that the law exists to protect every citizen irrespective of religious affiliation, adding that individuals who deliberately cross legal boundaries should be prepared to face the consequences where a court of competent jurisdiction so determines.

The Islamic leader consequently urged Bennylee to reflect on his recent actions, utterances and public engagements.

He said hostility towards Islam or any other religion would serve no useful purpose, stressing that Islam teaches peace, justice, mercy, compassion and peaceful engagement.

He further urged the social media influencer to seek authentic knowledge about Islam and engage with credible Muslim scholars rather than allowing prejudice or misinformation to shape his perception of the religion.

Imam commends U.S. Imam’s legal team

The Grand Chief Imam also praised Barrister U.S. Imam and members of his legal team for choosing the lawful route in addressing the alleged religious provocation.

He described their approach as an example of how grievances involving alleged religious desecration or provocation should be handled through the courts and other legitimate institutions rather than through self-help, confrontation or violence.

He urged the legal team to remain steadfast and allow the judicial process to run its course.

The Grand Chief Imam also appealed to Muslims across Yorubaland and Nigeria to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, regardless of the level of provocation they may perceive.

He warned against retaliation or any attempt by individuals or groups to take the law into their own hands.
According to him, justice should be pursued through legitimate institutions established by law.

Call for restraint among religious and social media actors

The Islamic leader further appealed to religious leaders, traditional rulers, public officials, content creators and social media influencers to exercise greater restraint and responsibility when commenting on religious matters.

He said Nigeria’s unity and peace depended on mutual respect among adherents of different faiths.

He warned that no society could enjoy sustainable peace where religion was deliberately employed as a tool for provocation, hatred and division.

The Grand Chief Imam called for dialogue, mutual understanding and respect among Nigerians of different religious backgrounds.

He said people should be able to disagree on religious and other sensitive issues without resorting to hatred, contempt or actions capable of threatening public peace.

He expressed confidence that peaceful coexistence remains achievable when citizens learn to engage one another with respect and seek understanding despite their differences.

The statement concluded with a prayer for the continued preservation of peace, harmony, justice and religious tolerance in Yorubaland and across Nigeria.

The court proceedings are expected to continue following the adjournment of the matter.

This version is suitable for The Mirror Newspaper because it gives prominence to the warning while maintaining the important distinction between allegations and facts established by the court.