BennyLee Case: Oyo Grand Chief Imam Draws Line at Religious Provocation
Sheikh Akeugberu backs Barrister U.S. Imam’s legal action, warns against attacks on Islam and calls for calm ahead of August 6 court hearing.
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Fodilatul Sheikh (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has warned social media influencer and blogger Ifagbemiro Olamigoke Adewola, popularly known as BennyLee, against statements and actions capable of provoking religious tension between Muslims and Christians.
The warning came as criminal proceedings against BennyLee continue before a Magistrate Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, following a direct criminal complaint over allegations including incitement, insulting or inciting contempt of a religious creed, defiling a place of worship or an object of religious significance, and injurious falsehood.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, Director of Media and Publicity to the Grand Chief Imam, Sheikh Akeugberu said the case had been adjourned until August 6, 2026.
The complaint reportedly relates to an alleged act involving a copy of the Holy Qur’an and traditional sacrificial items, including a calabash containing boiled eggs and palm oil. The complainant considers the alleged act offensive and capable of provoking religious tension.
The Grand Chief Imam stressed that, because the matter is before the courts, he would not comment on the merits of the allegations.
“We urge all parties to respect the judicial process and allow the court to discharge its constitutional responsibility without interference or prejudice,” he said.
However, Sheikh Akeugberu expressed concern over what he described as the growing use of social media to ridicule religious beliefs, provoke religious sentiments and create tension among communities.
He acknowledged freedom of expression as a fundamental right but said it should be exercised responsibly and within the law.
“Such freedom must never be used as a licence to deliberately desecrate what others hold sacred, promote religious hatred or incite actions capable of threatening public peace,” he said.
The Grand Chief Imam also criticised what he described as BennyLee’s recent comments about the practice and discussion of Shari’ah in Yorubaland.
According to the statement, BennyLee was recently seen in a video condemning the practice, application and discussion of Shari’ah in the region, with the Grand Chief Imam describing some of the remarks as inflammatory and hostile towards Islam.
Sheikh Akeugberu said Shari’ah was an integral part of Islamic faith and that Muslims had the constitutional right to practise their religion and observe its principles within the law.
He rejected what he described as portrayals of Shari’ah as a means of forced conversion or religious domination.
“Muslims have the right to discuss, advocate for and practise aspects of their faith in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and applicable laws,” he said.
The cleric warned that misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric about Islam or Shari’ah could deepen religious suspicion and undermine peaceful coexistence.
He also reminded Nigerians that freedom of expression carries responsibilities, particularly where public statements or publications could contribute to religious hatred or public disorder.
The Grand Chief Imam, who is himself a legal practitioner, said anyone found by a competent court to have crossed legal boundaries should be prepared to face the consequences provided by law.
He nevertheless urged BennyLee to reconsider his approach to Islam and encouraged him to seek information about the religion from recognised Muslim scholars and authentic sources.
“Hatred against Islam or any other religion serves no useful purpose,” the statement said, while urging him to ask questions and engage in dialogue rather than allow prejudice or misinformation to shape his understanding.
Praise for Legal Action
Sheikh Akeugberu also commended Barrister U.S. Imam and his legal team for pursuing the matter through the courts rather than resorting to confrontation.
He described their approach as an example of how grievances arising from alleged religious provocation or desecration should be handled through lawful institutions.
“We urge them to remain steadfast and allow the judicial process to take its course,” he said.
The Grand Chief Imam also appealed to Muslims across Yorubaland and Nigeria to remain calm and law-abiding, warning against taking the law into their own hands regardless of the level of provocation.
He said religious grievances should be pursued through legitimate institutions and urged Muslims to respond to provocation with “wisdom, patience and lawful action”.
The statement further called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, public officials, content creators and social media influencers to exercise greater restraint in their public statements.
Sheikh Akeugberu said Nigeria’s religious diversity required mutual respect and warned against using religion as a tool for hatred or division.
He called for greater dialogue and understanding between people of different faiths, arguing that peaceful coexistence remained possible where communities could disagree without hatred or contempt.
The case involving BennyLee is expected to return before the Ilorin Magistrate Court on August 6.
The Grand Chief Imam said the court should be allowed to determine the matter without interference, while urging Nigerians to preserve peace and religious tolerance in Yorubaland and across the country.
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