Jun 6, 2026

"I Have Never Met Gumi in My Life" — Agidigbo FM Boss Oriyomi Hamzat Threatens Legal Action Over False Claims, Denies Sharia Agenda

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

👁️ loading views...

Ibadan, Nigeria — Prominent broadcast journalist, humanitarian, and Chairman of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, has come out fighting — denying in the strongest possible terms that he had any hand in inviting controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi to Ibadan, and threatening to pursue legal action against those spreading what he calls deliberate falsehoods about him.

The denial follows a storm of public backlash that erupted after Sheikh Gumi, a northern cleric widely criticized for his sympathy toward bandits and his visits to terrorist hideouts, spoke during a programme at the University of Ibadan in November 2025 .

His appearance in the ancient Yoruba city triggered widespread outrage online, with Nigerians questioning who organized his visit and raising fears about the spread of northern insecurity into the South-West.

When rumours began swirling that Hamzat — a well-known Ibadan son and one of the city’s most influential voices — was responsible for Gumi’s visit, the media personality was having none of it.

“I have never seen Gumi in my life. I am one of those that criticize Gumi every time,” Hamzat declared in an impassioned statement.

“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 who is openly supporting bandits.”

Hamzat expressed both shock and frustration that the public’s anger, instead of being directed at federal authorities who have failed to prosecute Gumi, turned squarely on him — a man he says has no connection whatsoever to the controversial cleric.

“People left the federal government that didn’t arrest him and started dragging me, who had no relationship with him,” he said. “I never invited him to Ibadan.”

Supporters of Hamzat also pushed back against the claims, insisting that there is a deliberate attempt to spread falsehood and mislead the public, and that the individual seen in a circulated meeting photo is not Oriyomi Hamzat.

Beyond the Gumi allegations, Hamzat also tackled accusations that he harbours a secret agenda to enforce Sharia law in Yorubaland — claims he dismissed as outright lies.

“To those saying I want to enforce Sharia law, it is false. I am not against any religion and will never force anyone to accept my religion,” he said firmly, pointing to his decades of humanitarian work as evidence of his inclusive values.

Hamzat, who runs the Make A Future Alive Foundation — also known as the Ark of Hope Foundation — highlighted that his orphanage houses and nurtures children of different faiths.

The foundation provides care, education, and shelter for orphaned and vulnerable children, a mission that has earned him both national and international recognition, including an International Humanitarian Service Award in 2023.

“The children in my orphanage go to church on Sundays. My employees are both Christians and Muslims. I have sent people to Jerusalem and Mecca,” he stated. “I am a lover of humanity.”

Now, with his reputation on the line, Hamzat says silence is no longer an option.

“It is time to speak up for the sake of my children, and I am going to take legal action,” he warned, making clear that he intends to hold accountable those responsible for spreading what he describes as malicious misinformation.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of growing national tension over Sheikh Gumi’s activities.

Gumi, who has defended his frequent visits to bandits and terrorists, insists he always travels with security operatives and government officials — a position that has done little to calm critics who believe his actions provide cover for criminal elements terrorizing large parts of northern Nigeria.

For now, Ibadan’s most vocal media voice says he will not be silenced — and promises the courts will have the final word