Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Onikijipa Regrets Past Statements on Ritual, Seeks Public Forgiveness
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Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Onikijipa Regrets Past Statements on Ritual, Seeks Public Forgiveness
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
Sheikh Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa Al-Miskeenbillah, the Mufti of Ilorin Emirate and one of Nigeria’s most influential Islamic clerics, has publicly retracted his controversial statements that were previously misinterpreted as endorsing unethical practices, including ritualism.
Onikijipa had been under scrutiny following the gruesome killing of a young lady, Lawal Hafsoh Yetunde, by one self-acclaimed cleric, Abdulrahman Mohd Ballo.
Although the said young cleric did not directly cite Onikijipa’s lectures as motivation, many speculated that sermons from him and other scholars promoting materialism over piety could have indirectly enabled such actions.
The Ilorin Mufti’s past statements, which included phrases such as “Bi oo ba jẹ eeyan o o le jeeyan” (literally translated as “you have to eat human flesh or kill to be successful”), sparked widespread criticism.
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Many accused him of promoting materialism and unethical behavior over piety and moral uprightness.
However, in a video obtained by INCNews247 early Tuesday morning, Onikijipa took full responsibility for the misinterpretation of his statements, expressing regret for any offense or disappointment caused.
He acknowledged his human frailty and emphasized that his teachings have always been rooted in Islamic principles, which emphasize piety, knowledge, and ethical conduct.
The Mufti urged his followers and the general public to focus on the core values of Islam, rejecting violence, materialism, and unethical practices.
He also called for unity and collective efforts to address societal ills, including the rising trend of ritual killings and moral decadence.
The recantation has been met with mixed reactions, with some applauding Sheikh Faruq’s humility and willingness to correct past mistakes.
Others remain skeptical, demanding stricter oversight of religious teachings to prevent the spread of harmful ideologies.
