Students in Viral Video Retract Idolatry Claims Against Ilorin, Tender Public Apology
By Omowumi Omotosho
The three students who featured in a viral video where Islamic cleric, Dr. Sharafdeen Gbadebo Raji, was claiming that idolatrous practices are prevalent in Ilorin, have publicly withdrawn their controversial claims.
The students, who made the statements during a religious programme, held on June 7, 2025, have expressed deep regret and have sought forgiveness from the people of Ilorin.
The Ogbomoso-based preacher, widely known as ‘Dr. Sharaff’, stirred public outrage following a video where he asked young students during a religious programme to mention practices in Ilorin that contradict Islamic teachings.
The cleric, who holds a doctorate in Islamic Law and Jurisprudence from the Islamic University, Al-Madeenah, Saudi Arabia, reportedly encouraged the students by promising them gifts for their responses.
First student,Abdulrauf
Second student, Ibrahim
Third student, Abdulwasiu
One of the students alleged that “Ilorin people engage in idol worship and celebrate a yam festival,” while another claimed that “some worship Sobi mountain and offer prayers at burial sites.”
The cleric nodded in apparent agreement, urging the students to mention even more examples.
These comments sparked swift backlash across social media and among prominent voices in the Ilorin Muslim community. Sheikh Labeeb Agbaji, an Ilorin-based Islamic scholar, issued a stern warning to Raji, cautioning him against further attempts to malign the city. Other notable clerics also condemned Raji.
However, in a video now going viral, the students have tendered apology for making such derogatory statements against the Ilorin Emirate heritage.
One of the students, Adam Abdulrauf, in his apology, stated: “Firstly, there is no idol in Ilorin, and there are no idol worshippers in Ilorin. I apologise and seek forgiveness for these statements.”
Similarly, another student, simply identified as Ibrahim, distanced himself from his earlier remarks. He said: “Ilorin is not a city of idol worshippers. I claimed that there is a practice of praying a burial sites in Ilorin; however, there is no evidence to support that, and there is no particular day on which such rites are performed in Ilorin.”
The third student, Abdulwasiu, admitted that their comments were in error. “We made some statements that can be regarded as mistakes. It was after we left the programme that we realised our errors. My claim that Sobi Hills is being worshipped in Ilorin is false,” he said.
Chairman, League of Scholars Protecting Ilorin Islamic Heritage, Sheikh Yusuf Murithado
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the League of Scholars Protecting Ilorin Islamic Heritage, Sheikh Yusuf Murithado, called for calm and urged the public to forgive the students for their misstatements. He emphasized the need to preserve the historical ties between Ilorin and Ogbomoso.
“I seize this moment to beseech the sons and daughters of Ilorin and everyone the matter has reached. We didn’t force the students; we engaged them amicably for over an hour. They have sought forgiveness, and that is why we brought it to the public. I urge everyone to forgive them for the sake of Allah,” Sheikh Murithado said.
He further appealed to Raji to focus on his own community and avoid actions that could strain the long-standing cordial relationship between Ilorin and Ogbomoso. “It should be noted that Ilorin and Ogbomoso have enjoyed a harmonious relationship since time immemorial. We beseech you not to jeopardise this good relationship,” he added.
