Guru Maharaj Ji
Guru Maharaj Ji, born Mohammed Ajirobatan Ibrahim on December 20, 1947, is a Nigerian spiritual leader based in Ibadan. He refers to himself as the "Living Perfect Master"and is popularly called the "Black Jesus". He claims to have power over all illnesses and human afflictions.
Biography
Guru Maharaj Ji was born in Oyo State, Nigeria. He formerly worked with Nigeria Airways, frequently travelling between Africa and London.
He leads a communitarian spiritual group known by several names: - One Love Family - The One Love Mission - One Love, One Family - The Divine Love Family
The group’s base, called Satguru Maharaj Ji Village, is located along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway, near Ibadan. Members are vegetarians and wear badges as signs of loyalty.
Controversies and Legal Battles
- 1989: Former members accused the group of burying 200 bodies around the ashram. Ji was arrested but charges were dropped when no evidence was found.
- 1999: The ashram was burnt down by members of the Iju Youths Progressive Union over the alleged killing of a Ghanaian. Ji and twelve disciples were jailed for months but were acquitted in 2000. The judge criticized the prosecution for lack of diligence.
- A state governor tried to seize the ashram, but Ji proved ownership in court.
Public Statements and Predictions
- 2000: Claimed Bill Clinton’s visit to Nigeria was part of a U.S. plan to establish a military base and dominate Africa.
- 2003: Described Olusegun Obasanjo’s re-election as part of a "Golden Change" initiated by him.
- 2004: Predicted John Kerry would defeat George W. Bush in the U.S. election.
- Also in 2004, he warned church leaders to use donations for charitable acts like feeding the poor, or face divine consequences.
- 2008: Publicly supported Nuhu Ribadu, then-chairman of the EFCC, praising his anti-corruption drive.
- 2020: During the COVID-19 pandemic, urged Nigerians to abandon religion and the "Holy Ghost syndrome" and instead adopt divine knowledge.
- December 21, 2022: Predicted that the APC presidential candidate would win the 2023 general election, stating, "He is from the South, and what Nigerians are clamoring for is that the South must produce the next president.".
Notable Followers
- Mohammed Abacha
- Hamza al-Mustapha
Disassociation
Guru Maharaj Ji denies any connection to Prem Rawat, another spiritual figure who once led a group called the Divine Light Mission and was also known as Perfect Master and Guru Maharaj Ji.
References
- Reports on legal proceedings and ashram incidents
- Nigerian press conference transcripts and media coverage