Leaders of various pan-Yoruba organizations, including artisans, students, traders, professionals, and self-determination groups, have collectively voiced strong opposition to the proposed introduction of Sharia Law in Yorubaland.
In a statement signed by representatives of 29 pan-Yoruba groups such as the Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements, O’odua Nationalist Coalition, South West Professional Forum, and Federation for Yoruba Consciousness and Culture, the leaders condemned the proposal as a calculated attempt to destabilize the South-West.
While acknowledging Islam’s contributions to education, health, and welfare in the region since the 14th century, the groups expressed plans to resist any attempt to impose Sharia Law in Yorubaland.
The statement emphasized, “We recognise the right to debate the future of the children of Oduduwa and the right to free speech as exemplified in the constitution of Nigeria and in the timeless culture of Yorubaland; free expression, including the right to faith, has been an integral part of Yoruba civilisation, dating back to close to 2,000 years, a cherished heritage that we have defended and will continue to defend with every pint of our blood.”
The leaders expressed concerns over what they described as a “conscious plot” by non-Yoruba collaborators to push for Sharia Law in the South-West, warning that such a move would not address the region’s challenges.
“We state clearly that the introduction of Sharia cannot improve the economic, political, social and cultural deficit in Yorubaland. Yorubaland, though seen as the most economically developed territory in West Africa, attained this feat not through theocracy but by the hard work, commitment, and determination of our forefathers who were both Muslims, Christians and Traditional worshippers.”
Declaring their position, the statement added, “We, the true representatives of Yoruba people hereby strongly oppose the introduction of Sharia in any part of Oduduwaland of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Kogi, Edo, Kwara and Ondo States. Sharia is not feasible and can never be acceptable to a multi-religious, multi-faith people like the Yoruba; Sharia is only applicable in societies where Islam is the state religion or majority of the people profess Islam.”
The groups accused proponents of Sharia in Yorubaland of working to destabilize the region, claiming it was part of a larger scheme to polarize Yoruba politics and governance.
Concerns over Sharia Law in the South-West heightened in December 2024 following the circulation of a flier from the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, which announced the inauguration of a Sharia court in Oyo State, scheduled for January 11, 2025.
The backlash prompted the Oyo State chapter of the council to indefinitely postpone the inauguration.
In response, Dr. Bello Adisa, chairman of the Islamic council’s committee, clarified that the proposed Sharia panel was an arbitration body intended solely for resolving family disputes among consenting Muslims.
“It is not a court. We deeply regret any inconvenience caused by this misrepresentation and the subsequent postponement,” Adisa explained.
Meanwhile, in Ado Ekiti, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, ordered the dissolution of a Sharia panel established at the Central Mosque, citing the need to maintain peace and unity.
During a meeting with local leaders, including the Chief Imam and President of the League of Imams and Alfas in the South-West, Edo, and Delta states, Sheik Jamiu Kewulere, the monarch stressed, “The mood of the nation will not allow such to happen now… I told them that there is no need for the committee and they should dissolve the committee henceforth. That is the decision of the Ewi-in-Council and that is the position of all Ado sons and daughters. The panel stands dissolved.”
Sheik Kewulere confirmed the panel’s dissolution, noting that it was initially set up to address inheritance and family matters among Muslims.
“Basically, the committee is to look into matters of inheritance in the interest of our members,” he said, dismissing claims of ulterior motives.
The Ekiti State government also weighed in, with the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Dayo Apata (SAN), affirming that the state’s legal framework does not recognize Sharia Courts or arbitration panels.
Apata’s statement followed reports that the Sharia panel had resolved two marriage disputes during its inaugural sitting.
