Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs demands withdrawal of “private airstrip license for a religious leader”

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has called for the withdrawal of the private airstrip license approved for a religious leader in the country.

The call was made at the Council’s 10th Expanded General Purpose Committee meeting under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

Without pointing a finger at any individual, the Council described the approval as a move that could jeopardize the peace and security of the nation.

The Council “called for the revocation of the private airstrip license approved for a religious leader describing it as an aberration of the highest order that could threaten the peace and security of the country, it said in a communique.

Recall that Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), has a private airstrip at the church’s headquarters in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, which has triggered mixed reactions.

The Federal Government approved the construction of the airstrip to improve transportation for visitors and worshippers, especially during large events. The airstrip is managed by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

However, some lawmakers have raised concerns about the airstrip. Some lawmakers are concerned that the proliferation of private airstrips could worsen the country’s security situation.

Oyedepo announced the approval of the airstrip to his congregation during the Tehillah Night Special edition at Covenant University Chapel in Canaanland on October 6, 2024. He said, “I won’t need to fly a helicopter to the airport. I can leave from here to wherever I am going”

Also at the meeting, the NSCIA commended efforts by the government and traditional leaders in reducing communal clashes, emphasizing the importance of such roles in maintaining peace.