Kogi Jihadist Calling for Sharia in Yorubaland Identified as Moferewa Bashorun, Loyalist of Former Governor El-Rufai

Growing Concerns Over Religious Extremism in Nigeria

A new wave of controversy has emerged in Nigeria’s political and religious landscape following the identification of Moferewa Bashorun, a Kogi-based political figure, as the individual calling for jihad in Yorubaland to enforce Sharia law. His links to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have fueled debates over the spread of religious extremism and its potential impact on Nigeria’s fragile unity.

Who is Moferewa Bashorun?

Bashorun, an influential figure from Kogi State, has gained attention due to his recent calls for an Islamic uprising in Yorubaland. His rhetoric, centered around the expansion of Sharia law beyond its current jurisdictions, has raised national security concerns. Analysts and political observers warn that such radical narratives could destabilize the region and worsen Nigeria’s ethno-religious tensions.

El-Rufai’s Controversial Political Legacy

Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai remains a divisive figure in Nigerian politics. His tenure from 2015 to 2023 was marked by allegations of financial mismanagement, religious favoritism, and policies that deepened sectarian divisions. A report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly accused his administration of embezzling N423 billion, leaving the state burdened with heavy debts. (Guardian Nigeria)

El-Rufai has also been criticized for his stance on religion. The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has repeatedly warned against his influence, describing him as a “dangerous politician” whose policies have exacerbated ethnic and religious divisions in Kaduna and beyond. (Punch Nigeria)

Bashorun’s affiliation with El-Rufai has raised serious questions about whether the former governor’s inner circle is involved in pushing for a religious agenda that could disrupt Nigeria’s secular framework.

Implications for Yorubaland

The call for jihad in Yorubaland, a predominantly Christian and traditionalist region with a significant Muslim population, is viewed as an unprecedented provocation. The Yoruba sociopolitical group Afenifere has strongly condemned Bashorun’s rhetoric, warning that any attempt to impose Sharia law in the Southwest will be met with resistance.

Security analysts argue that such inflammatory statements could lead to unrest, mirroring past religious conflicts in Northern Nigeria. Nigeria has experienced multiple crises involving groups advocating for Sharia law, including the rise of Boko Haram, which initially positioned itself as a movement against secular governance before evolving into a full-blown terrorist organization.

Calls for Government Action

The Nigerian government and security agencies are under pressure to act swiftly. The Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigerian Police Force have been urged to investigate Bashorun’s activities and his possible connections to extremist networks.

Religious leaders and political stakeholders have also called for proactive measures to curb religious extremism before it escalates into violent conflict. The Sultan of Sokoto, the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, has emphasized the need for interfaith dialogue to prevent the rise of sectarian violence.

A Growing Threat to National Unity

As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic hardship, political instability, and insecurity, the resurgence of religious extremism poses an additional challenge. Moferewa Bashorun’s call for jihad in Yorubaland is a stark reminder of the delicate balance required to maintain national unity in a country deeply divided along religious and ethnic lines.

With tensions mounting, the response of the federal government and security agencies in the coming weeks will determine whether this issue is swiftly contained or spirals into a wider national crisis.