I woke up to a groundbreaking revelation—Sheikh Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa Al-Miskeenbillah OON, the esteemed Mufti of Ilorin Emirate, has publicly retracted past controversial statements that were widely misinterpreted as endorsing unethical practices, including ritualism.
For many of us who grew up in Muslim communities, especially those of us from the streets where Islam, Christianity, and traditional worship intertwine in both open and concealed forms, Sheikh Onikijipa’s words have echoed for decades. His teachings, often repeated in conversations, sermons, and even among traditionalists, have shaped narratives far beyond Islamic circles. In fact, it was not uncommon to hear even a Babaláwo quote his statements.
But today marks a turning point. Today, those words—so often debated, misunderstood, and misused—have been officially recanted. And this is not just a personal shift for Sheikh Onikijipa; it is a monumental development for Islam, particularly in Yorubaland.
I am happy. I am truly, deeply happy. I am freaking happy!
Those who have relied on his past words to justify harmful actions now do so entirely of their own accord. On the Day of Resurrection, they alone will answer for their deeds. May Allah Azzawajallah forgive those who passed away believing in a misinterpretation of his teachings.
The recent case of Lawal Hafsoh—allegedly killed by a self-proclaimed cleric, Abdulrahman—was, in my view, the final straw that forced this reckoning. In the wake of her tragic death, I, like many others, found myself reposting old videos of Islamic clerics whose sermons, at times, seemed to align with unorthodox teachings. And let’s be honest—how do you compile such a list without mentioning Sheikh Onikijipa? There’s even a viral clip where he seemingly lists fetish items for money rituals.
For years, there has been speculation that certain teachings—especially those that emphasize material wealth over piety—may have indirectly contributed to the rise of ritual killings, fraud, and other unethical acts in society.
As the highest-ranking Islamic scholar in Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Onikijipa’s words carry immense weight. His previous statements included ambiguous phrases like “Bi o o ba jẹ eeyan, o o le jeeyan”—literally translated as “You have to eat human flesh or kill to be successful”—and teachings that seemed to prioritize wealth accumulation before seeking God. These statements fueled public outrage, leading critics to accuse him of promoting materialism over moral uprightness.
However, in a recent lecture, Sheikh Onikijipa finally addressed the controversy head-on. With humility and a sense of responsibility, he expressed deep regret over the misinterpretation of his words.
He acknowledged that if his past statements had caused offence or led to misunderstandings, the responsibility rested with him.
But more importantly, he reaffirmed that his teachings have always been rooted in the principles of Islam—piety, knowledge, and ethical conduct.
He clarified that his remarks had been taken out of context and urged his followers to uphold the true values of Islam, which unequivocally reject violence, materialism, and unethical practices.
Sheikh Onikijipa’s retraction sets a powerful precedent, and I sincerely hope that more Islamic scholars will follow in his footsteps. It is time for clerics who have, intentionally or unintentionally, contributed to misleading narratives to publicly correct them. We need clear, unequivocal guidance that aligns with the core values of Islam—justice, integrity, and righteousness.
This is more than just a retraction—it is an opportunity for renewal.
Long live Sheikh Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa.
Long live Ilorin Emirate.
Taofik Adekunle Jimoh (JAAT) is the Editor of News Bulletin Nigeria.
