An X user identified as BennyLee has raised concerns over alleged religious intolerance in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, following the circulation of a video showing what appears to be a confrontation between Islamic clerics and a traditional worshipper.
The user, who posts with the handle itsbennylee, shared the video on Friday, claiming it captured an incident that occurred about 27 weeks ago in an area close to Oja Tuntun. In the footage, the clerics are seen confronting the worshipper over the alleged practice of indigenous religions, including Ojubo Esu and Sango shrines. The clerics reportedly insisted that “Ilorin has no other religion but Islam,” describing the city as an exclusively Islamic one.
The video has since sparked widespread reactions on X and Facebook, with many users questioning the legality of such claims. Several commentators pointed to Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which explicitly states that Nigeria shall not adopt any religion as a state religion.
In his post, BennyLee questioned whether Ilorin still operates fully under Nigerian constitutional law or is being run as a de facto Sharia state. He also expressed concern over what he described as the unchecked growth of religious intolerance and insecurity in Kwara State.
The incident has renewed calls for accountability and stronger protection of religious freedom, which many netizens stressed is a constitutional right rather than a privilege. “Nigerians deserve answers. Religious freedom is a constitutional right. Justice must prevail,” BennyLee and others stated.
The controversy follows a related incident reported last week, where a traditional worshipper in Ilorin alleged that her house was set on fire by neighbours after repeated threats over her religious beliefs. The Kwara State Police Command later confirmed the arrest of three suspects linked to the suspected arson in the Isale Koko area and said a full investigation is ongoing.
As of the time of reporting, Kwara State authorities are yet to officially comment on the viral video, even as public scrutiny over governance and the protection of minority religious practices continues to grow.
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