The Waziri Muminina of Yorubaland, Ustaz Abdul-Lateef Adekilekun, said killing for blasphemy was not Islamic.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday, in Ede, Osun State, Adekilekun described Islam as a religion of peace and not of violence.
The remarks followed the killing of Usman Buda, a butcher, stoned to death on Sunday, in Sokoto State, after he allegedly blasphemed against the Holy Prophet Muhammad during an argument with another trader in a market place.
According to the cleric, although blasphemy is not encouraged in Islam, there are laid down procedures to deal with a blasphemer rather than killing.
Adekilekun, who noted that ignorance was one of the reasons why people kill others for blasphemy, stressed the need for more awareness and enlightenment on how Islam wanted a blasphemer to be treated.
“I remember, I read a book, and I was taught in the class exactly 61 years ago where they said anyone who accused Prophet Muhammad should be beheaded.
“But that book is neither the Qur’an nor hadith. It is just a book written by a self-styled jurist. Our problem in Nigeria is ignorance.
“Blasphemy in Nigeria is mainly from the northern part of the country, and the cause is ignorance. You rarely hear of such in the southern part of the country where enlightenment and awareness are more pronounced.
“Before President Muhammadu Buhari left office, he signed a bill seeking to create a commission to cater for Almajiri and out-of-school children. I want to advise the present administration to encourage awareness on this.
“Islam is a religion of peace, and it is very rich. In Islam, you can learn history and arithmetic, among others, but for those who lack adequate knowledge of Islam, they always rely on hear say in making judgments”, he said.
Adekilekun, who is also the Grand Mufassir of Ede land, described the installation of another Waziri of Yorubaland by the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, as illegal.
He said he was the Waziri of Yorubaland installed and recognised by the League of Imams and Alfas in Southwest Nigeria.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
