Traditional rulers in Nigeria’s Southwest have warned about moves to introduce Sharia law in the region. They said the attempt will result to anarchy, division, and instability. According to them, Sharia law, in any form, is unsuitable for Yorubaland.
On Tuesday, December 31st, flier went viral inviting guests from across the country to the inauguration of a Sharia court scheduled for January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje Area, Oyo.
The flier listed the Bashorun of Oyo Land, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Olayinka I, as the Royal Father of the Day; the Mufairu of Oyo Land, Alhaji Abdullateef Eleyele, as the Spiritual Father of the Day; and the Aare Musulumi of Oyo Land, Alhaji Tajudeen Kamorise, as the Chief Host.
However, the event drew criticism from a cross-section of Nigerians, with many arguing that the predominantly Yoruba Southwest is distinct from the northern region, where Muslims are in the majority.
In 2021, the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Wale Oke, cautioned the Senate against covert attempts by certain groups to introduce Sharia law to the Southwest through the ongoing constitution review.
In response, the Director of the Muslim Rights Concern, Ishaq Akintola, urged the PFN to “mind its business and stop opposing Muslims’ right to operate Shariah.”
The push for Sharia law in the region faced resistance and was ultimately dismissed at the time.
Addressing the recent call for the introduction of Sharia law in the South-West, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde acknowledged the proposed Sharia court and the controversy it had.
“Regarding the establishment of a Sharia court in Oyo town, people may try, but as for me, I swore to uphold our laws and the Constitution of Nigeria. If their actions are within the law, fine; if not, they should expect that I will insist the law must be followed,” the governor stated in a broadcast.