Oriyomi Hamzat Denies Ever Meeting Gumi, Threatens Legal Action Over Allegations

Oyo-based popular broadcaster and philanthropist, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, has denied having any relationship with Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, describing claims linking him to the cleric as false and defamatory.

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Speaking on the allegations, the Agidigbo FM boss said he had never met Gumi and had consistently criticized the cleric's comments on insecurity and banditry in Nigeria.

"I have never seen Gumi in my life. I am one of those who criticize Gumi every time. It is time to speak up for the sake of my children, and I am going to take legal action," he said.

Hamzat stated that he had even questioned reports of Gumi's visit to the University of Ibadan and had publicly criticized the Federal Government for allowing him to move freely despite his controversial comments.

"It was someone who told me Gumi was invited to the University of Ibadan, and I questioned his coming. I called out the Federal Government for allowing him to walk freely—someone openly supporting bandits. I was shocked to hear people saying I was the one who invited him," he added.

The broadcaster lamented that critics chose to target him instead of holding the authorities accountable.

"People left the Federal Government that did not arrest him and started dragging me, even though I have no relationship with him. I never invited him to Ibadan," he said.

Responding to claims that he was promoting the enforcement of Sharia law, Hamzat described the allegations as baseless, insisting that he respects all religions.

"To those saying I want to enforce Sharia law, it is false. I am not against any religion, and I will never force anyone to accept my religion," he said.

Hamzat cited examples from his humanitarian activities, noting that children in his orphanage attend church services on Sundays and that both Christians and Muslims work for him.

"The children in my orphanage go to church on Sundays. My employees are both Christians and Muslims. I have sponsored people to Jerusalem and Mecca. I have never met Gumi in my life," he said.