An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has voiced strong opposition to the license recently granted to Bishop David Oyedepo for the construction of an airstrip. The group expressed concerns about the potential implications of this decision, particularly in a multi-religious society like Nigeria.
MURIC has raised alarm, suggesting that such developments must be carefully examined to ensure that they do not infringe upon the rights and interests of other groups, especially in a nation already grappling with religious tensions and security challenges.
Professor Ishaq Akintola, the director of MURIC, argued that granting the license to Bishop Oyedepo sets a dangerous precedent, especially given Nigeria's history of religious crises and large-scale insecurity. He called for the immediate revocation of the license, urging the National Assembly (NASS) to intervene in the matter and scrutinize the decision thoroughly.
In a press statement issued on Friday, 11th October 2024, Professor Akintola reiterated MURIC's stance, stating: “The Federal Government (FG) confirmed two days ago that it has granted a license to build an airstrip to Bishop David Oyedepo of Canaanland, also known as Winners Chapel or Living Faith Church.”
He continued, “We strongly condemn this action. It is not only reckless and thoughtless, but it is also insensitive and provocative. This decision sets a dangerous precedent, particularly in a multi-religious society burdened with ongoing religious crises and insecurity. The license must be revoked immediately to prevent further controversy, as it poses a threat to national security.”
MURIC’s concerns were further fueled by recalling past incidents, such as when Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, a former president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), was involved in a controversial arms deal. Akintola stated, “Going down memory lane, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor was caught in South Africa with a plane carrying $9.3 million in cash. He admitted that the money was meant for the purchase of arms.”
Akintola emphasized that despite the government's cover-up of the incident, the case highlighted deeper issues within the country. “Ayo Oritsejafor was not alone on that plane; he was accompanied by an Israeli citizen. This is particularly concerning considering the FG’s past interest in contracting Israelis as security advisers, the same group currently involved in atrocities in Gaza,” he said.
The group expressed fears that granting the airstrip license to Bishop Oyedepo could pave the way for foreign mercenaries to land in Nigeria undetected. “This airstrip will expose Nigerian Muslims to danger. Foreign mercenaries could arrive at the airstrip, commit atrocities, and leave without detection. The destiny of Nigeria should not be placed in the hands of a single religious group,” Akintola warned.
MURIC also highlighted the persistent issue of insecurity in the country, pointing out that the origin of weapons supplied to insurgents, kidnappers, and separatists remains unclear. “Nigeria is not ripe for this type of license, particularly when given to a religious leader. Our country has a history of acrobatic religiosity, and many Nigerians have long abandoned reason when it comes to matters of faith,” he said.
In his statement, Akintola noted that if such a license had been granted to a Muslim leader like Shaykh Ahmad Gumi, it would have likely sparked nationwide outrage. He questioned the silence of social analysts, commentators, and human rights lawyers on the issue of Oyedepo’s airstrip license, describing it as troubling.
MURIC called for Nigerians to rise in unity and condemn what they termed a “misadventure.” Akintola urged citizens to set aside religious sentiments and approach the issue objectively, emphasizing that the Federal Government’s decision was a major misstep that could deepen the divide between religious groups in Nigeria. “Discrimination and favoritism can only widen the gap between Nigerians,” he added.
MURIC appealed to the National Assembly to step in and bring rationality to the situation. “We urge the National Assembly to bring sanity to this ugly development. Parliamentary intervention is needed to unravel the administrative errors behind this decision. Nigeria requires the wisdom of its lawmakers to navigate this issue and avoid further division,” Akintola stated.
He further suggested that the National Assembly should revisit the unresolved Oritsejafor arms cash saga and investigate the circumstances surrounding the airstrip license granted to Bishop Oyedepo.
In conclusion, Akintola called on Nigerian Muslims to remain calm and rational in their reactions, encouraging them to be law-abiding. “As we conclude, we call on the FG to revoke the license granted to Bishop Oyedepo. This step is necessary to restore the confidence of Nigerian Muslims in the system and to bridge the gap of mutual suspicion between Christians and Muslims. This airstrip poses a grave danger to national security,” he warned.