I Have Nothing Against Islam, I Was Born Into Muslim Family,But Islamic Jihadism Is Different-Araoye

Prof. Ademola Araoye, a member of the Committee for the Actualisation of Yoruba Self Determination (CAYSD), has said he has nothing against Islam, stressing that Islamic Jihadism is different from the religion itself.

Araoye made the statement during an interview on State Affairs with Edmund Obilo on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, while addressing issues surrounding religion and the distinction between Islam and extremist ideologies associated with jihadism.

The CAYSD member clarified that his position should not be interpreted as hostility towards Islam, noting that he was born into a Muslim family. He said his concerns were specifically about Islamic Jihadism, which he described as entirely different from the religion.

“By the way, let me add, I have nothing against Islam. I was born into a Muslim family myself, but Islamic Jihadism is a different kettle of fish altogether,” Araoye said.

His remarks draw a distinction between Islam as a religion and Islamic Jihadism, emphasising that criticism of extremist ideologies should not automatically be taken as opposition to Muslims or their faith.

By referencing his own family background, Araoye sought to reinforce his position that his comments were not directed at Islam itself but at what he considers a separate and distinct phenomenon.

The statement comes amid continuing discussions about religious extremism, insecurity and the role of ideology in conflicts affecting Nigeria and other parts of the world.

Watch the video from stamp time 4:40 to 4:51 HERE

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