The Oyo State chapter of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has announced plans to establish a Sharia court in the state. The inauguration of this court is set to take place on January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, located on Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje Area, Oyo.
According to a promotional flier circulating widely on social media, the event will bring together dignitaries from across the nation. The Bashorun of Oyo Land, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Olayinka I, is named as the Royal Father of the Day, while Alhaji Abdullateef Eleyele, the Mufairu of Oyo Land, will serve as the Spiritual Father of the Day. The Aare Musulumi of Oyo Land, Alhaji Tajudeen Kamorise, is set to host the event.
However, the proposed court has sparked significant backlash online, particularly among individuals who feel such initiatives do not align with the predominantly Yoruba cultural and religious practices of the South West region. Critics argue that Sharia law is more commonly associated with the Muslim-majority northern regions of Nigeria and express concern over its potential implications.
One social media user, known as #OurFavOnlineDoc, voiced concerns on X.com, warning about the possible consequences of implementing Sharia law in a diverse and multicultural setting like Oyo.
“To everyone listening, understand this: Sharia law doesn’t respect diversity. If introduced, people—regardless of their faith—may face arrests for things like ‘indecent dressing’ or selling food during Ramadan. This is not speculation; it’s based on what has already happened elsewhere,” the user stated.
The post further highlighted the risk of extreme punishments and systemic oppression, particularly targeting the less privileged, urging residents to oppose such measures vehemently.
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Another user, tweeting under the handle #BabaAjisefa, emphasized, “Remaining silent on this matter is as good as endorsing it. History shows us how such laws, introduced as exclusive to Muslims, eventually extend to everyone, as seen in the North. Sharia has no place in Yorubaland. Reject it outright.”
Others joined the conversation, with one user, Ugo, cautioning, “Reject Sharia in all forms. It starts small but grows uncontrollably.” Another commenter, #Alabi, posed a question: “If Sharia is so important to you, why not relocate to regions where it’s already practiced?”
The controversy has reignited broader discussions about Nigeria’s unity and governance. Some commenters, like Motolani Alake, suggested that the current structure of Nigeria may not be sustainable, saying, “The Sharia debate underscores why true federalism or regional autonomy might be the only solution. A diverse country cannot thrive under laws that cater exclusively to one group.”
Efforts to reach key figures involved in the Sharia court initiative, including Dr. Rafiu Bello and Sulaimon Abuqoodi, the Chairman and Secretary of the Sharia Committee in Oyo, respectively, were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.
The situation continues to stir heated debates, with many urging swift action to address the concerns raised by residents and ensure that any legal changes reflect the cultural and religious diversity of the region.
