Ilorin Indigenes Blast Islamic Cleric ‘Dr. Sharaff’ Over Claims Of Idolatry
A cross-section of Ilorin indigenes have lambasted a popular Islamic cleric, Dr. Sharafdeen Gbadebo Raji, over his controversial claim that idolatrous practices are prevalent in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.
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.
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. “If he doesn’t stop, I will come for him,” he said.
On TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), users including Munir Aduagba, Layestewiy, and Aljaoharry condemned Raji’s remarks, accusing him of generalising and defaming an entire community.
“It saddens the heart that a fellow Muslim is shading Ilorin with such dangerous claims,” Aduagba lamented.
Another user wrote, “Ilorin is not an idolatrous town. I’m disappointed in Dr Sharafdeen — he just wants to defame us all.”
Facebook user, Salihu Onimasa, went as far as calling the cleric “a nuisance,” insisting that he must apologise publicly.
Others faulted his approach, accusing him of irresponsibility. “The idea may have been well intended, but the execution lacked wisdom,” one user, awallexy, said.
While some attempted to defend Dr Raji by pointing to his background and connections with scholars from Ilorin, the consensus among critics remained clear — that his comments were divisive, misleading, and unbecoming of an Islamic scholar.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
