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Oyo Grand Chief Imam Backs FRSC’s Plan to Ban Preaching in Commercial Buses

Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu

Oyo Grand Chief Imam Backs FRSC’s Plan to Ban Preaching in Commercial Buses

Sheikh Bilal Akeugberu says commercial vehicles are ‘means of transportation, not places of worship’, urges National Assembly to expedite legislation

IBADAN, Nigeria – The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has thrown his weight behind the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)‘s proposed legislation seeking to prohibit preaching and hawking inside commercial buses, describing the initiative as a timely and commendable step towards safeguarding lives and ensuring public safety on Nigerian roads.

In a statement issued from his office on Monday, the respected Islamic scholar noted that the primary responsibility of every government is the protection of lives and property, stressing that any policy capable of reducing avoidable road crashes deserves the support of all well-meaning Nigerians irrespective of religious, ethnic or political affiliation.

“Commercial buses are means of transportation, not places of worship or religious gatherings. Passengers board vehicles to travel safely to their destinations, while drivers are expected to concentrate fully on the road. Any activity capable of distracting drivers or creating unnecessary tension among passengers should not be encouraged,” the Grand Chief Imam said.

The respected Islamic scholar observed that incessant preaching inside commercial vehicles has over the years become a source of distraction to drivers and discomfort to many passengers. He added that such practices have, in some instances, generated arguments, altercations and avoidable security concerns within public transport.

The Grand Chief Imam maintained that countries with advanced road safety cultures do not permit activities that interfere with drivers’ concentration, emphasizing that Nigeria should equally adopt policies that prioritize the sanctity of human life over practices capable of endangering road users. He therefore urged the National Assembly to give expeditious consideration to the proposed legislation in the overall interest of public safety.

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While reiterating that the constitutional right to freedom of religion remains sacrosanct, the Grand Chief Imam explained that every right must be exercised responsibly and within the limits prescribed by law, particularly where public safety is involved. He further appealed to religious leaders across all faiths to educate their followers on the need to conduct religious activities only in appropriate and designated places, rather than inside commercial vehicles where they may constitute a distraction or inconvenience to others.

The Grand Chief Imam also warned individuals or groups who may contemplate defying the proposed law, once duly enacted, to desist from taking the law into their own hands. “Nigeria is a nation governed by the rule of law. Once the legislative process is concluded and the law comes into force, every citizen and resident has a constitutional obligation to obey it. Anyone who feels aggrieved has the legitimate right to seek judicial interpretation through the courts rather than resorting to self-help or acts capable of undermining public order,” he said.

He urged security agencies and relevant enforcement authorities to implement the law professionally, fairly and without discrimination, ensuring that no individual or religious group is singled out for selective enforcement.

The Grand Chief Imam concluded by calling on Nigerians to collectively embrace every lawful measure aimed at reducing road accidents, preserving human lives and promoting peaceful coexistence, reminding citizens that the preservation of life remains one of the highest objectives recognised by both the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the noble teachings of Islam.