The Grand Chief Imam of Oyoland, Fodhilatu Shaykh Imam Bilaal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has strongly condemned any disobedience to lawful orders of courts of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria, stressing the need for strict respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and the authority of Nigeria’s security institutions.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Grand Chief Imam of Oyoland, Shaykh Bilaal said 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.

The Grand Chief Imam also expressed concern over alleged actions attributed to Oloye Sunday Adeyemo Igboho, particularly allegations that he obstructed officers of the Nigeria Police Force in the course of trying to arrest a critic of Islam, Tani Olohun.

He called on the Oyo State Government, Federal Government, judiciary and the Nigerian legal community to caution Oloye Sunday Adeyemo Igboho and ensure that all citizens respect the rule of law and the lawful responsibilities of security agencies.

According to the Grand Chief Imam, the matter also concerns allegations involving an individual identified as Tani Ọlọhun, whom he said had allegedly made statements on social media that were considered defamatory and insulting to Islamic scholars, Muslims and sacred Islamic symbols
Muslims hold in reverence, the names and attributes of Allâh subhaanahu wataha'la, our noble and beloved prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaehi wasallam, the glorious Quran, the sanctuary in mecca and many other Islamic symbols
It is very important to note that, Muslims will view any attack on these symbols as ridiculing our sensibilities and insulting our sensitivities.

Shaykh Bilaal urged the relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and, where appropriate, invite Tani Ọlọhun to answer questions concerning the reported statements.

The Grand Chief Imam further warned against religious provocation, stressing that nobody should 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, however, emphasized that religious disagreements must be handled peacefully and through lawful channels rather than through confrontation, violence or retaliation.

Shaykh Bilaal therefore appealed to religious leaders across Nigeria to exercise restraint and avoid statements or actions capable of provoking religious tension.

He said Nigeria needs peace, unity, mutual respect and religious tolerance, rather than crisis or violence.

The Grand Chief Imam also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant authorities to discharge their constitutional responsibilities professionally and within the framework of the law, while urging every citizen to cooperate with lawful investigations and enforcement processes.

He appealed particularly to the Oyo State and Federal Governments to take appropriate steps to prevent any recurrence of actions capable of undermining public order, religious harmony or respect for the rule of law.

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyoland concluded by praying for peace, unity and stability across the South-West and Nigeria as a whole, urging Muslims, Christians, traditional institutions and all Nigerians to live together peacefully and respect one another’s faith and lawful rights.

ASA