The Oluwo of Iwo, Osun State, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has voiced his support for the introduction of Sharia law in the South-West region of Nigeria.
The monarch highlighted that Sharia law has long been a part of Yoruba traditions, citing its historical presence in the region.
This discussion gained traction following an Islamic organization’s announcement of a planned inauguration of a Sharia council. The event, initially scheduled for January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre on Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje Area, Oyo, Oyo State, has now been postponed indefinitely due to widespread public criticism.
The proposed inauguration sparked diverse reactions, with many Nigerians expressing concerns. Critics argued that the predominantly Yoruba South-West differs significantly from the northern region, where Sharia law is more prevalent due to a larger Muslim population.
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In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Oba Akanbi underscored that Sharia law already exists in Yoruba land. He explained, “We have Sharia-compliant banks operating in the South-West, and these institutions follow Sharia principles. In Iwo, Sharia law has been in practice for over a century, and we even have a Sharia college here. Muslims have the choice between customary law and the high court.”
The monarch emphasized the importance of Sharia law in addressing specific needs of Muslim communities, especially in areas such as inheritance, marriage, and divorce, which he argued are often misunderstood by Western legal systems. “Sharia law is part of Nigeria’s constitution and is operational in the North. Wherever there are Muslims, Sharia exists,” he added.
Oba Akanbi further clarified that Sharia law is exclusively for Muslims and does not interfere with the rights of adherents of other religions. “If anyone likes it, they can embrace Islam. Similarly, Muslims are free to convert to Christianity. Everyone has the freedom of choice. Sharia should not pose any issues for other religions. No government has the authority to deny Muslims their constitutional rights,” he concluded.
The debate surrounding Sharia law in the South-West continues to draw mixed reactions from the public, reflecting the complex interplay of culture, religion, and governance in Nigeria.
