A group of young Islamic scholars has taken to social media to challenge the Mufti of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Sulaimon Faruk Onikijipa Al-Miskini, accusing him of not practising what he preaches. The scholars have urged Nigerian Alfas, especially in Yorubaland, to emulate Sheikh Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory, the Mudir of Markaz, Agege, Lagos, whom they describe as a cleric who aligns his words with his actions.
The controversy arises from Sheikh Onikijipa’s recent remarks regarding Allah’s command for Satan to prostrate before Adam. In a lecture, he emphasized that Satan’s refusal to obey did not diminish God’s omnipotence. However, young Islamic scholars have linked this statement to an earlier incident involving popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, accusing Onikijipa of inconsistency in his principles.
At the seventh-day Fidau prayer for K1’s late mother in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Sheikh Onikijipa publicly urged the musician to apologize for his widely criticized social media remark, “Awon Alfa Won Ga’nu Sibi,” which many Yoruba Islamic clerics found insulting. When K1 refused to offer an apology, Onikijipa remained at the event and later explained his decision by drawing a parallel between K1’s action and Satan’s defiance of Allah’s command, stating that he, as a mere creation of God, could not compel another creature to comply.
“If K1 humiliates me and Allah does not, it is okay by me,” Onikijipa said. “I believe that if he does not apologize today, he might do so tomorrow.”
However, the young Alfas have pointed out what they see as a contradiction in Sheikh Onikijipa’s stance. They noted that while he tolerated perceived humiliation from K1, he reacted differently when confronted by Ustaz Basit Al-Ketuwi. Reports suggest that Onikijipa was annoyed by Ustaz Al-Ketuwi’s remarks, leading young scholars to question why he tolerated perceived disrespect from a musician but reacted differently to a fellow Islamic scholar.
“It means you don’t practice what you preach,” the young Alfas said in a statement. “It also means you do not emulate the son of your mentor and lecturer, Sheikh Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory, who stands firmly by his teachings.”
The criticism has sparked intense debate within the Islamic community, with many weighing in on the issue. While some clerics have defended Sheikh Onikijipa’s stance, others believe that religious leaders must remain consistent in their teachings and conduct to maintain their moral authority.
As the discussion continues, the role of Islamic scholars in upholding discipline and integrity within the faith remains a crucial subject among Yoruba Muslims in Nigeria.
