Popular broadcaster and philanthropist, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, has strongly denied allegations linking him to the invitation of controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, to the University of Ibadan, describing the claims as false, malicious, and misleading.
Speaking on the controversy, Hamzat stated that he has never met Sheikh Gumi in person and has consistently criticized the cleric's comments and positions on insecurity in Nigeria.
According to him, he was shocked to discover that some individuals were accusing him of facilitating Gumi's visit to Ibadan despite having no relationship whatsoever with the Islamic scholar.
“I have never seen Gumi in my life. I am one of those who criticize Gumi every time. It was someone who informed me that Gumi had been invited to the University of Ibadan, and I immediately questioned the reason for his visit,” Hamzat said.
The founder of Agidigbo FM further explained that he publicly challenged the Federal Government over what he described as its continued tolerance of Gumi, whom he accused of making statements perceived by many Nigerians as sympathetic to bandits and criminal elements.
Hamzat questioned why attention was being directed at him instead of the relevant authorities who allowed the cleric to move freely across the country.
“People ignored the Federal Government that did not arrest him or withdraw the security personnel attached to him and instead started accusing me, despite the fact that I have no connection with him,” he stated.
He also alleged that Sheikh Gumi was accompanied by police officers during his visit to Ibadan, even after security escorts attached to some VIPs had reportedly been withdrawn by the Federal Government.
Responding to allegations that he intends to promote or enforce Sharia law in Oyo State, Hamzat dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
He emphasized that he respects all religions and has never discriminated against anyone based on faith.
“I am not against any religion and I will never force anyone to accept my religion. The children in my orphanage attend church services on Sundays, while my workforce consists of both Christians and Muslims,” he explained.
Hamzat added that his humanitarian activities have benefited people from different religious backgrounds, including sponsoring pilgrimages to both Jerusalem and Mecca.
The broadcaster said the continuous spread of false information about him had become unacceptable and warned that he would seek legal redress against individuals and groups responsible for damaging his reputation.
“It is time to speak up and defend myself and my children. I am going to take legal action against those spreading these falsehoods,” he declared.
The controversy has continued to generate reactions across social media, with supporters and critics debating the circumstances surrounding Sheikh Gumi's visit to Ibadan and the claims made against Hamzat.