A cross-section of Ilorin residents has criticized Islamic scholar Dr. Sharafdeen Gbadebo Raji, widely known as "Dr. Sharaff," over his controversial claims that idolatrous practices are widespread in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.

The Ogbomoso-based preacher, who holds a doctorate in Islamic Law and Jurisprudence from the Islamic University in Al-Madeenah, Saudi Arabia, sparked outrage during a religious event where he asked students to name customs in Ilorin that conflict with Islamic teachings. In a widely shared video, Dr. Sharaff reportedly offered gifts to encourage the children to list such practices.

One student claimed, "Ilorin people engage in idol worship and celebrate a yam festival," while another stated, "Some worship Sobi Mountain and pray at burial sites." The cleric nodded in agreement, urging more examples.

The remarks ignited backlash across social media and among Ilorin's Muslim community leaders. Sheikh Labeeb Agbaji, a prominent local Islamic scholar, issued a stern warning to Dr. Raji, stating: "If he does not retract his statements, I will hold him accountable."

The controversy highlights tensions over religious interpretations and cultural practices within the city.

On TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), users including Munir Aduagba, Layestewiy, and Aljaoharry condemned Raji's remarks, accusing him of generalising and defaming an entire community.

"It saddens the heart that a fellow Muslim is shading Ilorin with such dangerous claims," Aduagba lamented.

Another user wrote, "Ilorin is not an idolatrous town. I'm disappointed in Dr Sharafdeen - he just wants to defame us all."

Facebook user, Salihu Onimasa, went as far as calling the cleric "a nuisance," insisting that he must apologise publicly.

Others faulted his approach, accusing him of irresponsibility. "The idea may have been well intended, but the execution lacked wisdom," one user, awallexy, said.

While some attempted to defend Dr Raji by pointing to his background and connections with scholars from Ilorin, the consensus among critics remained clear - that his comments were divisive, misleading, and unbecoming of an Islamic scholar.