An Islamic group has called on President Tinubu’s administration to revoke Bishop David Oyedepo’s airstrip licence, citing concerns over regulatory compliance and public interest.

A prominent Islamic organization in Nigeria, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to promptly revoke the airstrip license issued to David Oyedepo, Founder of Living Faith Church, commonly known as Winners Chapel.

According to a statement from the outspoken group, granting such a license to a religious leader in a nation previously marked by sectarian crises and widespread insecurity is exceedingly dangerous.

As a result, MURIC called for the license to be revoked and urged the National Assembly to intervene in the situation.

A statement from Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Founder and Executive Director of MURIC, reads: “Two days ago, the Federal Government (FG) announced that it has granted Bishop David Oyedepo of Canaanland—also known as Winners Chapel or Living Faith Church—a license to construct an airstrip.”

We firmly denounce this action, highlighting its reckless and inconsiderate nature as well as its insensitivity and provocativeness. It sets a perilous precedent that has no place in a multi-religious society already burdened by religious conflicts and widespread insecurity. The license should be revoked immediately, especially given the controversy it is sparking due to concerns over national security threats.

Referring to a previous incident in which a well-known Nigerian pastor’s private jet was found with arms on board, MURIC expressed concerns that granting such a license to Oyedepo might put Muslims at risk.

Granting Bishop Oyedepo a license to build an airstrip could potentially facilitate easy access for foreign intelligence agencies, like the Israeli Mossad, raising concerns about increased risks of abductions targeting Muslims. The issue of forceful rendition has been ongoing for some time but this new development might intensify it.

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This airstrip poses a potential risk to Nigerian Muslims. It could allow foreign mercenaries to enter the country unnoticed, commit harmful acts, and then depart without detection. Nigeria’s future should remain inclusive and not be influenced solely by any one religious group.

In light of our security agencies’ failure to identify the source of weapon supplies for insurgents, kidnappers, and separatists, it is evident that Nigeria is not prepared to grant a religious leader permission to construct a private airstrip. It’s clear that many Nigerians engage in fervent displays of religiosity rather than true religious practice. Many have abandoned rationality long ago, especially regarding matters of faith.

Nigeria might have experienced significant turmoil if a similar permit had been granted to a Muslim figure such as Shaykh Ahmad Gumi, who tends to be unfairly criticized by some. This situation raises questions about why social analysts, commentators, and human rights lawyers and activists remain notably silent on the controversy surrounding Oyedepo’s airstrip.

We urge Nigerians to unite in denouncing this misadventure. Let’s set aside emotions and address the issue with objectivity. The Federal Government made a significant error on this occasion, displaying blatant favoritism towards one religion out of three. Such discrimination can only serve to further divide Nigerians.

We call on the National Assembly to address this troubling situation. The involvement of skilled politicians with parliamentary expertise is occasionally necessary to untangle complex administrative issues. Nigeria could greatly benefit from its lawmakers’ insight to help extricate itself from these self-destructive tendencies. Additionally, it might be important for Nigerian legislators to reexamine the Oritsejafor arms cash incident.

We urge Nigerian Muslims to respond to this development with caution, decorum, and rationality. We encourage them to continue adhering to the law.

“As we pause for reflection, we urge the Federal Government to reconsider and revoke Bishop Oyedepo’s license to construct an airstrip. This step is crucial for rebuilding trust among Nigerian Muslims in our system, ensuring fairness, and reducing the significant divide of distrust between Christian and Muslim communities. The existence of this airstrip presents a serious threat to national security,” stated the message.