By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The refusal of Hon. Kafilat Adetola Ogbara, the lawmaker representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, to shake hands with Mayor Dele Oshinowo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the seat in the 2027 general election, has sparked debate, with some of her supporters citing Islamic teachings to explain her action.
The encounter occurred at a public event where Oshinowo approached Ogbara, addressed her as “Alhaja” and extended his hand in greeting. Ogbara declined, responding in Yoruba: “Bawo ni, pele. Mi o le shake e,” meaning, “How are you, sorry. I can’t shake you.”
The incident attracted reactions on social media, with some critics questioning the refusal and others defending her decision on religious grounds.
Amid the debate, attention has turned to Islamic teachings on physical contact between men and women who are not related in ways that make marriage between them prohibited.
Imam Explains Islamic Position on Handshakes
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques in Okene, Kogi State, addressed the issue, maintaining that physical contact between a man and a non-mahram woman is prohibited under his interpretation of Islamic teachings.
In his explanation, Gusau cited a hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad, reported by At-Tabarani and described as authentic by Sheikh Al-Albani, concerning the prohibition of touching a woman who is not a mahram.
He also referenced a report from Aisha, the Prophet’s wife, concerning the acceptance of allegiance from women. According to the report cited by the imam, the Prophet accepted women’s pledges verbally rather than by holding their hands.
Gusau argued that Muslims who wish to observe this interpretation should politely explain their religious position when declining a handshake, making clear that the decision is not intended to cause offence.
He said Muslims should remain firm in their religious convictions while treating others respectfully.
Religious Debate Meets Political Rivalry
The controversy has unfolded against the backdrop of political disagreements within the Lagos APC over the Kosofe federal constituency seat ahead of the 2027 elections. Oshinowo emerged as the party’s candidate, while Ogbara is the incumbent lawmaker.
Some social media users have questioned whether the religious explanation offered by Ogbara’s supporters is consistent with her public interactions. Claims about her previous handshakes with male public figures have also been raised in the debate.
However, such comparisons require verification of the relevant images and context. A photograph or video showing a handshake does not, on its own, establish a person’s broader religious practice or explain the circumstances surrounding a particular interaction.
Neither the reported political rivalry nor the public exchange establishes Ogbara’s personal motivation beyond what she said during the encounter.
The episode has nevertheless brought together questions of religious observance, public etiquette and political relations, illustrating how an apparently brief social interaction can attract wider attention during a politically sensitive period.