The Kano State Government has referred multiple petitions and counter-petitions over controversial remarks made by Sheikh Lawan Triumph to the Kano State Shura Council for review and advice.
The petitions, submitted by a coalition of Islamic organisations—including Safiyatul Islam of Nigeria, Tijjaniya Youth Enlightenment Forum, Interfaith Parties for Peace and Development, Sairul Qalbi Foundation, Habbullah Mateen Foundation, Imams of Juma’at Mosques under the Qadiriyya Movement, Committee of Sunnah Preachers, and Multaqa Ahbab Alsufiyya—allege that Sheikh Lawan made blasphemous statements against Prophet Muhammad during a recent preaching session in Kano.
In a statement on Friday, Musa Tanko, Press Secretary to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had directed that the matter be referred to the Shura Council for careful consideration.
“This measure is in line with our commitment to maintaining peace and unity among all religious groups in Kano,” the statement read.
SSG Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim urged residents to remain calm while the Council reviews the petitions. “We call on all citizens to continue their daily activities peacefully and lawfully. The government assures everyone that this matter will be handled with the utmost seriousness and respect for religious sentiments,” he said.
Representatives of some petitioning groups also stressed the importance of safeguarding religious harmony. A spokesperson for the Committee of Sunnah Preachers said, “Our concern is to protect the sanctity of the Prophet’s name and preserve peace in Kano. We trust the Shura Council will provide wise counsel.”
Similarly, a representative of Safiyatul Islam of Nigeria emphasised that freedom of speech must be exercised with respect for Islamic values.
Sheikh Lawan’s comments have sparked debate within Kano’s Muslim community, underscoring the sensitive balance between freedom of religious expression and reverence for sacred beliefs.
By engaging the Shura Council—a respected body for religious mediation—the government signaled its preference for dialogue and reconciliation over conflict.
