Oriyomi Hamzat Rejects Gumi Link, Vows Legal Action Over Defamation and Sharia Allegations
Popular broadcaster, philanthropist, and founder of Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, has strongly denied allegations linking him to controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, describing the claims as false, malicious, and damaging to his reputation.
Hamzat made the clarification amid growing public discussions and social media allegations suggesting that he maintains a relationship with Gumi and supports the promotion of Sharia law in parts of the country. The broadcaster dismissed the accusations outright, insisting that he has never met the cleric and has consistently criticized many of Gumi’s public comments regarding insecurity and banditry in Nigeria.
Speaking on the matter, Hamzat said he could no longer remain silent, particularly because the allegations have the potential to affect his family, reputation, and years of humanitarian work.
“I have never seen Gumi in my life. I am one of those who criticize Gumi every time. It is time to speak up for the sake of my children, and I am going to take legal action,” Hamzat stated.
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has remained a controversial figure in Nigeria due to his comments and engagements concerning armed bandits operating in parts of Northern Nigeria. Over the years, some of his statements have generated public debate and attracted criticism from various political, security, and civil society groups.
Hamzat stressed that he has always been among those questioning Gumi’s activities and public appearances, particularly reports suggesting that the cleric was invited to speak at the University of Ibadan.
According to him, he was informed by others about Gumi’s reported visit to the institution and publicly expressed concerns about the development. He maintained that he never played any role in inviting the cleric to Ibadan and was, in fact, critical of the authorities for permitting him to move around freely despite the controversies surrounding his remarks.
“It was someone who told me Gumi was invited to the University of Ibadan, and I questioned his coming. I called out the Federal Government for allowing him to walk freely—someone openly supporting bandits. I was shocked to hear people saying I was the one who invited him,” he explained.
The media personality lamented what he described as an unfair campaign against him, arguing that some individuals chose to direct their anger at him rather than questioning the authorities responsible for decisions concerning national security.
“People left the Federal Government that did not arrest him and started dragging me, even though I have no relationship with him. I never invited him to Ibadan,” Hamzat added.
Responding to another allegation that he supports the enforcement of Sharia law or seeks to impose religious beliefs on others, Hamzat firmly rejected the claim. He described the accusation as completely unfounded and contrary to his long-standing record of promoting religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“To those saying I want to enforce Sharia law, it is false. I am not against any religion, and I will never force anyone to accept my religion,” he said.
Hamzat further pointed to his humanitarian initiatives as evidence of his commitment to inclusiveness and respect for all faiths. He noted that his charitable activities and orphanage accommodate people from different religious backgrounds without discrimination.
According to him, children under his care are free to practice their faith, including attending church services on Sundays. He also disclosed that both Christians and Muslims work within his organizations and that he has sponsored religious pilgrimages for adherents of both faiths.
“The children in my orphanage go to church on Sundays. My employees are both Christians and Muslims. I have sponsored people to Jerusalem and Mecca. I have never met Gumi in my life,” he stated.
The broadcaster reiterated that the allegations linking him to Sheikh Gumi and claims that he seeks to impose Sharia law are entirely false. He warned that those spreading such claims could face legal consequences, emphasizing that he is prepared to pursue legal action to protect his reputation and set the record straight.
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