Social media users question constitutional rights in Ilorin after acclaimed Islamic clerics reportedly target traditional worshipper in Kwara State Nigeria

A video circulating on X (formerly Twitter) has reignited conversations about religious tolerance in Kwara State.

BennyLee, a user with the handle #itsbennylee, shared footage last Friday showing what appears to be a tense encounter between well-known Islamic clerics and a traditional worshipper in Ilorin.

According to the video, the confrontation stemmed from the worshipper’s practice of indigenous religions, including Ojubo Esu and Sango shrine rituals.

BennyLee claims the footage was recorded about 27 weeks ago, near the Oja Tuntun area.

Clerics Assert Ilorin as an Islamic City

In the video, the clerics are heard asserting that “Ilorin has no other religion but Islam,” describing the city as purely Islamic.

This declaration has sparked outrage among viewers online, with many pointing out that such statements may conflict with Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

Section 10 of the Constitution explicitly states that “Nigeria shall not adopt any religion as a state religion,” meaning religious freedom is legally protected for all citizens.

Calls for Accountability and Religious Freedom

BennyLee questioned the legality of the situation, asking, “Is Ilorin still operating fully under Nigerian constitutional law? Or is it being run as a de facto Sharia state?

Why is religious intolerance and insecurity being allowed to grow unchecked in Kwara State?”

Many netizens echoed his concern, emphasizing that religious freedom is a constitutional right, not a privilege.

“Nigerians deserve answers,” wrote several online users.

“Justice must prevail, and everyone should feel safe to practice their faith.”

Alarming Pattern of Religious Conflicts

This isn’t the first time BennyLee has raised alarms about religious tensions in Ilorin.

Last Friday, he highlighted an arson case in which a traditional worshipper alleged her neighbors set her house on fire after repeated threats related to her faith.

Authorities in Kwara State have since arrested three suspects connected to the fire.

SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the command is conducting a full investigation into the incident, which occurred in the Isale Koko area of Ilorin.

Questions Remain Unanswered

Despite the arrests, questions about governance, the protection of minority religions, and unchecked religious intolerance in Ilorin continue to mount.

Many are now calling on state authorities to clarify their stance and take stronger measures to ensure that constitutional rights are respected across Kwara State.