Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has come under intense criticism from Nigerians across different backgrounds following inflammatory comments he made against the Igbo ethnic group during a recent sermon.

The Jos, Plateau State-based cleric, who serves as the National Chairman of the Izala Islamic Movement, sparked outrage when he stated that "Fulani people will never forgive the Igbo for killing First Republic politician, Sir Ahmadu Bello" during the 1966 coup led by Maj. Chukwuma Kaduuna Nzeogwu.

Sheikh Jingir's controversial remarks came in response to a meeting between 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and a group of Islamic scholars led by an Igbo Muslim scholar, Sheikh Sambo Rigachukwu. During this meeting, Obi was dressed in traditional Hausa attire, which apparently angered Sheikh Jingir.

Speaking in Hausa during his sermon, Sheikh Jingir said: "If those scholars are not insane, why would you dress someone from the tribe that killed our Sardauna in Hausa garments? We will never forgive the Igbo for that. Shame on you for receiving the killer of Sardauna! How can you welcome them."

The comments have been widely condemned by many Nigerians, including Muslims and northerners, who fear such rhetoric could ignite ethnic and religious tensions, particularly in the already volatile North-East and North-West regions.

Former Minister of Sport, Solomon Dalung, who is also from Plateau State, criticized Sheikh Jingir in a Facebook post, stating that the cleric's outburst "is deeply unfortunate and must be condemned in all its ramifications."

"As an elder and respected religious figure, Sheikh Jingir ought to exercise restraint and wisdom in his public utterances, especially those capable of inflaming tensions and undermining our national unity," Dalung wrote. "His age and experience should be assets in promoting harmony, not liabilities that threaten the fabric of our collective existence."

Dalung further emphasized the need to regulate religious practices in Nigeria, suggesting that "religious clerics should be barred from active partisan politics, with strict consequences for violations."

Many Nigerians have also expressed their disapproval on social media. Hassan Adamu, who identified himself as a follower of Sheikh Jingir, wrote: "Gaskiya, I am one of the followers of Sheikh Yahaya Jingir but honestly speaking, I totally condemned Sheikh Jingir statement regarding Mr Peter Obi. Mr Obi is a Nigerian politician who is trying to rally everyone along regardless of religion believes and ethnicity."

Another commenter, Rawen Yaweh, lamented: "This is what politics have sadly turned our society into! Those who should be preaching unity are the ones promoting division. Sad indeed."

Comrade Suleman Bunu added: "Our religion leaders should be mindful with their utterances. If they can not preach peace, they should keep quiet."

The incident has raised concerns about the role of religious leaders in Nigerian politics and their potential influence on ethnic relations in a country already grappling with various security challenges.

Stay updated on this developing story by following BenriNews on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Telegram.