Ustaz Abdul-Lateef Adekilekun, an Islamic cleric and the Waziri Muminina of Yorubaland, has strongly criticized those responsible for the killing of individuals accused of blasphemy.

Adekilekun’s reaction comes in response to the recent incident in Sokoto state, where a butcher was stoned to death based on allegations of blasphemy against the prophet.

In his statement to the Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ede, Adekilekun emphasized that it is not in accordance with Islamic teachings to take the life of another person due to blasphemy. He reiterated that Islam is a religion of peace and does not promote violence.

Furthermore, the cleric recalled reading a book 61 years ago that advocated beheading anyone who accuses the prophet, clarifying that the book was not the Quran or Hadith. He explained that it was a publication authored by a self-proclaimed jurist.

In his words, “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 the 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 is more pronounced,” he said.

Mr Adekilekun, however, commended the federal government for its effort in blending Islamic-oriented education with Western education through the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies for proper understanding of religion.

The cleric said that the government was trying its best in making sure that the Arabic schools are streamlined in line with the 6-3-3-4 system of education to reduce the number of out of school children.

“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, arithmetic, among others, but for those who lack adequate knowledge of Islam, they always rely on hearsay in making judgments,” he said.

Mr Adekilekun, who is also the Grand Mufassir of Edeland, 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 South-West Nigeria.