By Akeem Alao Babatunde
The Grand Mufti of Ilorin Kingdom and its environs, Sheikh Sulaimon Faruq Onikijipa has officially retracted his viral controversial statements, bringing an end to years of debate and criticism within the Muslim community.
In a video obtained by Muslim News on Tuesday, 25th February, the revered Islamic scholar addressed the contentious statements, providing a Qur’anic allusion to clarify his stance.
Onikijipa, Director and founder of Al-amani center for Arabic and Islamic Center, explained that the statements, which had sparked widespread outrage, was a slip of the tongue and had been misinterpreted due to being taken out of context.
The Sheikh, visibly emotional, pleaded with the Muslim Ummah to desist from referencing the statement he made several years ago. He then offered a formal apology, acknowledging the impact of his words and retracting them unequivocally.
Background to the Controversy
Years ago, Sheikh Sulaiman made some remarks during a public lecture. In one of the lectures, he said, “Eni tí ó bá fẹ́ jẹ́ èèyàn, gbọ́dọ̀ jẹ èèyàn”, which literally translates to: “Whoever wants to make it in life must take lives.”
In another controversial statement, he said: “”Ẹni tí ó bá máa lówó yóò kọ̀yìn sí Ọlọ́run” meaning, “whoever will become wealthy must go against God (Allah)”.
These statements, made before his installation as Grand Mufti of Ilorin Emirate in 2021, have long been a subject of criticism from fellow scholars. Many claimed that it influenced young clerics and alfas, leading them to engage in immoral acts such as fraudulent practices and money rituals.
The controversy reignited recently after a suspected ritualist and pseudo-Muslim cleric in Ilorin was arrested for killing and dismembering a final year student of Kwara State College of Education in Ilorin, Kwara State. Critics quickly linked the gruesome act to Sheikh Onikijipa’s past words, arguing that his statement had inspired misguided young Muslim scholars.
Despite numerous attempts to clarify his position, Sheikh Onikijipa faced increasing pressure from the Muslim community, with many demanding a public retraction and apology.
Retraction Sparks Reactions and Commendations
Following his official retraction, the announcement has generated a wave of reactions across social media and religious circles, with many commending the Sheikh for his humility and courage.
An Islamic scholar and lecturer at Al-Hikmah University, Dr. Sanusi Lafiagi praised the move on his Facebook page.
He wrote, “Baba Mufti Agba of Ilorin Emirate. This is highly commendable. It takes bravery to do this. Anyone quoting those words or acting upon them from now henceforth does so at his own peril. This is an official retraction.”
Lafiagi further explained that those who had called for the retraction did so out of love for the Sheikh and concern for the community, not out of malice. He added:
“In the last ten years, Mufti’s lectures have been a great departure from the past that we all know. We are all sinners. May Allāh forgive us all.”
Another notable reaction came from Abdussalam Ibrahim, who expressed deep gratitude for the Sheikh’s public apology.
He wrote, “Praise be to Allah, the Most Merciful and Forgiving. I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude as I write to express my heartfelt appreciation to Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq Al-Miskeenubillah Mufty Diyar for his courageous retraction and apology regarding his past viral lectures.”
He continued, “This noble act is a testament to the Sheikh’s humility, integrity, and commitment to upholding the truth. It serves as a reminder that no one is above mistakes, and that it takes immense courage to admit and correct one’s errors.”
Ibrahim further advised the Muslim Ummah to take the Sheikh’s action as a lesson, emphasizing that seeking forgiveness is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Shakirullah Opeyemi Kilani also reacted, thanking those who urged the Sheikh to make the retraction: “Thank you, Dr, for calling his attention. Jazãkallahu khaeran. I begin (sic) to like this man now. Many things have been done wrong. This is good to right the wrong. May Allah make us stand firm on the right path.”
Similarly, Abayomi Salami commended the Sheikh’s emotional intelligence and humility. He wrote: “This is emotional intelligence and empathy. Respect. Humans are prone to mistakes, and he just won my heart ♥. Apology accepted, Mufti.”
A Lesson in Leadership and Accountability
Sheikh Onikijipa’s public retraction has set an important precedent for religious and community leaders. His willingness to admit his mistake and seek forgiveness has been widely lauded as a demonstration of true leadership and accountability.
It serves as a reminder that words hold power and that leaders must exercise caution in their teachings. Sheikh Onikijipa’s apology marks a significant step in reaffirming the values of humility, responsibility, and the continuous pursuit of righteousness.
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