Islamic cleric Ustaz Abdul-Lateef Adekilekun has attributed the killing of individuals for blasphemy to ignorance rather than Islamic teachings.
The cleric emphasized that Islam promotes peace, not violence. Adekilekun commented on the recent stoning death of Usman Buda in Sokoto State, stating that although blasphemy is discouraged in Islam, there are proper procedures for dealing with blasphemers that do not involve killing.
He highlighted the importance of increasing awareness and enlightenment regarding the treatment of blasphemers according to Islamic principles.
Adekilekun praised the Federal Government’s efforts to blend Islamic-oriented education with Western Education and urged further awareness to reduce the number of out-of-school children.
“I remember, I read a book and I was taught in the class exactly 61 years ago where they said anyone who accused Prophet Muhammad should be beheaded.
“But that book is neither the Qur’an nor hadith. It is just a book written by a self-styled jurist. Our problem in Nigeria is ignorance.
“Blasphemy in Nigeria is mainly from the northern part of the country and the cause is ignorance.
“You rarely hear of such in the southern part of the country where enlightenment and awareness is more pronounced,” he said.
He also clarified that he is the recognized Waziri of Yorubaland by the League of Imams and Alfas in Southwest Nigeria, questioning the legality of another appointment made by the Oluwo of Iwo.
