My attention has been drawn to some anti-Islam and anti-North campaigns on social media, mainly on Facebook, credited to certain Yoruba bloggers in Nigeria. These campaigns followed a statement issued by the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and signed by its Igbo Deputy National Legal Adviser, Imam Haroun Muhammad Eze Esq., as reported in The DEFENDER from my base in Khabarovsk, Russia.
By Orimolagun Obego
Before continuing, let me clarify that I am a Yoruba man from Nigeria and a great admirer of Russia, where the ruling class and government do not judge people by religion, race, or color but rather by their humanity. In Russia—unlike in Nigeria, where some pretend to be champions of religious tolerance while suppressing others—Muslims and Christians are treated equally, with no interference in their religious affairs. Here in Khabarovsk, I live peacefully with fellow Nigerians and our host communities. That is why I must caution my Yoruba people back home against living a life filled with hate.
The genesis
The Islamic Council, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, effectively declared: “Enough of the disregard for the rights of Muslims, particularly in Southwest Nigeria.” The statement cited the backlash against the decision of some Southern Muslims to use Shariah as an arbitration system within their communities—an act that aligns with the Nigerian Constitution.
Furthermore, the statement was issued not just by any individual but by a constitutional lawyer of Igbo origin who understands the legal rights of Nigerian citizens. Yet, while no objections arose from the South East or South South, it was the Yoruba-dominated Southwest that reacted negatively. This is sad and shameful because Yoruba are neither the only tribe living with Muslims in Nigeria nor in the world.
Concerned about the rising wave of anti-Islam hate and intolerance in a country governed by law, the NSCIA firmly declared: “Enough is enough.”
The message
To our surprise, some Yoruba people outside the Muslim community in the Southwest still believe they monopolize media narratives. They have used social media to spread unfounded accusations, even attacking the leadership of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, particularly the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni.
The Sultan, a respected leader across Nigeria, Africa, and the world, is being unfairly vilified simply because he heads the NSCIA, which issued a Shariah-supporting statement signed by an Igbo lawyer. How does this make sense?
As Africa’s highest Islamic council, the NSCIA merely exercised its lawful duty by advocating for religious rights. Its statement, “Live and Let Live,” urged Southwest governors and traditional rulers to protect the constitutional rights of Muslims in their states.
Why should any Yoruba person attack the Sultan for standing up for the Muslim Ummah he leads? Why do some Yoruba people act as though our tribe is superior to all others? This misplaced arrogance must be addressed. Yoruba leaders—politicians, lawyers, and civil society activists—must condemn these campaigns if they genuinely care about national unity.
Islamic benefits we should acknowledge
A similar uproar occurred when Islamic banking was introduced in Nigeria. The backlash, mainly from Yoruba circles, was framed as a national religious conflict when, in reality, it was a Yoruba-driven agenda. Yet today, Islamic banks like JAIZ, TajBank, and Lotus Bank are thriving and serving both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Similarly, the Sultan and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) now collaborate effectively, proving that religious leaders can work together despite the divisive tactics of some Yoruba elements.
Lessons from Russia
In Russia, the government prioritizes national security and stability. Here, anyone spreading religious hate is considered a threat to national unity and faces severe consequences. Nigerian leaders must take decisive action against those using religious propaganda to destabilize the country.
Distorted Yoruba narratives
Yoruba people must think twice before creating unnecessary conflicts. We are just one of over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria.
A recent example of misplaced outrage was the attack on the Timi of Ede for prostrating before the Emir of Ilorin. These same Yoruba individuals claim Ilorin as Yoruba land but fail to reclaim their kin in Benin Republic, yet they fixate on Ilorin’s traditional leadership.
Furthermore, Yoruba from other Southwest states continue to marginalize Lagos State indigenes, blocking them from political power while blaming non-indigenes for their struggles. This internal injustice exposes our hypocrisy.
The Oluwo of Iwo’s experience
The Oluwo of Iwo, Emperor AbdulRasheed Akanbi, has also been a victim of Yoruba hypocrisy. He is criticized simply for rejecting traditional beliefs that require allegiance to certain practices before ascending the throne. His crime? He performed Hajj in Saudi Arabia without covering his head.
How does a religious pilgrimage affect his right to kingship? Yoruba culture is rich, but these distortions are making it unappealing to the world.
The bottom line
Hatred and hypocrisy corrode the heart. The Sultan of Sokoto is not our peer, and Islam, though not the religion of all Yoruba people, must be respected. Muslims have a constitutional right to practice their faith, including Shariah law within their communities. Opposing them is a direct provocation, and we must avoid unnecessary conflict.
Fulani are not the cause of Yoruba problems. Our real issues lie within ourselves. Instead of spreading hate against Muslims, let us focus on solving our internal problems.
Nigeria is currently led by a Yoruba president, Bola Tinubu. Instead of looking for imaginary enemies, let us address our real challenges.
A stitch in time saves nine!
Obego writes from Khabarovsk, Russia.
