My Sermons Against Alcohol, Ritualists Caused Attack On My Tafseer By Masked Gunmen – Oyo Cleric

An Islamic cleric, Khalifah Mojeed Alawaye, whose Ramadan tafseer programme was attacked by masked gunmen on March 24, 2025, at Imam Compound in Akesan Market, Oyo, has opened up about the disturbing incident, attributing it to his strong sermons against alcohol, ritual killings, and other unethical practices.

Alawaye spoke with LEADERSHIP via telephone on Wednesday, explaining that the attack occurred around 1:20pm when the gunmen stormed the religious gathering, wielding guns and cutlasses. The assailants specifically targeted women and elderly attendees, leaving many injured in the chaos.

The cleric shared that his teachings, which strongly denounce alcohol consumption, traditional sacrifices, and the use of human parts for rituals, had angered some local Islamic clerics and Muslim faithful. He emphasized that these practices have no basis in the Holy Quran or Hadith, and his mission is to guide his followers toward the truth as outlined in Islamic scriptures.

“We speak truth from the Holy Quran and Hadith to warn against those indulging in these practices that are not found in the holy books. I preach against Alfas (Islamic clerics) drinking alcohol, making sacrifices, and those using human parts because we shall stand before God one day to account for our deeds,” Alawaye said. “I am not here to turn anyone away, but to fulfill my duty to warn them, so that I can be absolved before God on the Day of Judgment. Unfortunately, we have become enemies to some clerics because of it.”

The cleric also mentioned that his calls for Oyo politicians to demand that the governorship seat be zoned to the Oyo region had further fueled tensions. “I have been calling on Oyo politicians to make the demand for the governor’s seat to come to Oyo. We have educated people here who can become the governor. I have told our men not to panic under a woman and demand our rights as the Holy Quran instructs,” he added.

Alawaye believes that these political messages, in addition to his stance on unethical practices, might have contributed to the violent attack on his tafseer programme. He explained that the attackers were likely attempting to eliminate him, but he narrowly escaped with the help of his supporters. However, the assailants turned their anger on the elderly participants, beating and stealing their belongings. Phones and other items were also taken during the attack.

When the youths in the area mustered enough courage to confront the attackers, they fled the scene. Several youths sustained machete wounds, and the elderly were left bruised from the attack.

The incident was reported to the Ojongbodu Police Station in Oyo West Local Government Area and later to the Police Area Command in Durbar. The Area Commander led a team of officers back to the scene around 4pm, allowing Alawaye to resume his sermon.

Mr. Taiwo Adebayo, Chairman of the Oyo Global Forum (OGF), condemned the attack, stating, “We fought hard to combat the reign of violence in Oyo and thought it was over. It’s troubling to now see such a violent action. The police must ensure that the perpetrators are identified and face legal consequences, and they must also improve their response capabilities to prevent future incidents.”

Alawaye has vowed to continue his mission to educate and guide the community, despite the dangers he faces.