Media personality and broadcaster, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, has strongly denied claims linking him to controversial Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi, saying he has never met or had any form of relationship with him.
In a detailed statement addressing recent backlash, Hamzat also rejected allegations that he invited the cleric to Ibadan, insisting the claims are false and damaging to his reputation.
“I have never seen Gumi in my life. I am one of those that criticize Gumi every time. It is time to speak up for the sake of my children and I am going to take a legal action. It was someone that even 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 that is openly supporting band!ts. I was shocked to hear people saying I was the one that invited him,” he said.
Hamzat also expressed frustration over what he described as a wave of misinformation and online atta.cks against him, adding that he was being wrongly targeted despite having no connection to the cleric.
“People left the federal government that didn’t arrest him and started dragging me who had no relationship with him. I never invited him to Ibadan. I am a lover of humanity. 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. The children in my orphanage go to the church on Sundays. My employees are both Christians and Muslims. I have sent people to Jerusalem and Mecca. I HAVE NEVER MET GUMI IN MY LIFE,” he added.
He further stressed that he has always promoted religious tolerance, pointing to his humanitarian work and diverse workforce as evidence of his stance.
Hamzat maintained that he will not tolerate further defamation, adding that anyone continuing to circulate the allegations should be prepared to face legal consequences.
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