Popular broadcaster and human rights advocate, Oriyomi Hamzat, has publicly distanced himself from allegations linking him to Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, insisting that he has never met the controversial figure and attended a previous gathering solely in his professional capacity as a representative of his radio station.
In an emotional statement released amid growing public criticism, Hamzat appealed for understanding and forgiveness from Nigerians who may have misconstrued his involvement in the event.
The media personality maintained that his presence at the gathering had been widely misrepresented, stressing that he neither invited Gumi nor had any personal relationship with the cleric.
“You go explain tire, fine. Maybe we are seeing anyone who is also saying that and do not want to listen to me,” Hamzat said while addressing the controversy. “Those who are saying I brought Gumi, they will come out again and be saying nonsense again, but as a responsible man, I’ve explained myself.”
Reaffirming his commitment to humanitarian values, Hamzat described himself as someone who prioritises the welfare of people above every other consideration.
“I, Oriyomi Hamzat, am a lover of humanity and humanity first in whatever I’m doing,” he stated.
The broadcaster categorically denied ever having any personal interaction with Sheikh Gumi, saying he had only seen him through social media platforms.
“I’ve never met Gumi in my entire life. I don’t know Gumi in my entire life. I need see him physically in my life. I only saw him on Facebook,” he explained.
Hamzat further clarified that references he had previously made regarding being present at the gathering had been misunderstood by some members of the public.
According to him, his comments were intended to indicate that his radio station had been invited to cover the event and that he was merely representing the organisation in a professional capacity.
“When I said we were there, I was only referring to my radio station that was invited that day,” he noted.
He added that his media outfit was instrumental in exposing details of what transpired during the gathering, suggesting that the station’s coverage contributed significantly to the public becoming aware of the events that took place.
“It was the same radio station of mine that exposed whatever happened on that day,” Hamzat said.
The broadcaster revealed that the fallout from the incident may have stemmed from his criticism of government authorities over what he perceived as preferential treatment allegedly extended to the cleric.
“It was because I exposed everything that happened that made me offend you. I’m very sorry,” he said. “And maybe we should be keeping quiet. It’s because I was questioning the government for the reason they didn’t arrest Gumi and what kind of right he has that police and some forces always escort him.”
Expressing regret over the misunderstanding generated by his attendance at the event, Hamzat appealed directly to those who felt disappointed by his actions.
“Please forgive me. I’ve never met Gumi in my life. I only went to the gathering to represent my radio station,” he stated.
He reiterated that his role at the event was purely professional and insisted that he should not be judged solely on the basis of his attendance.
“And I am even the one who exposed what transpired in that gathering. If my sin is because I attended the gathering, please pardon me,” Hamzat pleaded.
The broadcaster’s remarks come amid sustained public debate and social media discussions surrounding individuals perceived to have had associations with Sheikh Gumi, whose activities and public engagements have repeatedly generated national conversations on security and governance.
While reactions to Hamzat’s latest explanation remain divided, his statement represents his most detailed effort yet to clarify his position and reassure members of the public about the circumstances surrounding his attendance at the gathering.
As discussions continue, Hamzat maintains that his lifelong commitment to humanity, accountability and truth should serve as the basis upon which his actions are assessed, rather than assumptions arising from a professional assignment undertaken in the line of duty.
