The Oyo State chapter of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has addressed public concerns surrounding the establishment of an Independent Shari’a Arbitration Panel in Oyo town.
The group clarified that the panel is not a Shari’a court but a voluntary dispute resolution body for Muslims.
In a statement issued by the committee chairman, Dr. Bello Adisa, the group announced the postponement of the inauguration event, initially scheduled for January 11, 2025, citing a misunderstanding caused by its misrepresentation as the inauguration of a Shari’a court.
“This is to inform the general public, on behalf of the Muslim community in Oyo town, that the inauguration of the Independent Shari’a Arbitration Panel, originally set for January 11, 2025, at the Oyo Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Agbogangan, has been postponed. A new date will be announced soon,” Adisa stated.
Adisa explained that the Independent Shari’a Arbitration Panel already operates in several South-West states and is solely intended to resolve family disputes among consenting Muslims.
He emphasized that the panel has no enforcement powers and should not be mistaken for a judicial court.
“The arbitration panel exists to settle family-related disputes voluntarily among Muslims. It is not a court and holds no enforcement authority. We regret any confusion caused by the earlier misrepresentation and apologize for the inconvenience,” he added.
The postponement follows backlash over a flier that went viral, inviting dignitaries to what was mistakenly described as the inauguration of a Shari’a court in Oyo town.
The event was to be held at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Mobolaje Area, with prominent figures such as the Bashorun of Oyo Land, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Olayinka I, listed as Royal Father of the Day.
The flier drew criticism from some members of the public, particularly on social media, where users questioned the appropriateness of introducing Shari’a governance in the predominantly Yoruba South-West region.
In response to the controversy, Imam Daud Igi Ogun, Khadimul Muslimeen of Oyo Kingdom, confirmed the postponement and reiterated Islam’s emphasis on peace.
“On behalf of Oyo Muslim indigenes, we wish to inform the public that the inauguration ceremony of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo branch) has been suspended indefinitely. Islam represents peace,” Imam Ogun said.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also addressed the matter, reaffirming his commitment to upholding the Nigerian Constitution.
He stated that while individuals are free to act within the bounds of the law, unlawful actions would not be tolerated.
“Regarding the establishment of a Shari’a court in Oyo town, people may attempt such initiatives, but as governor, I am bound to uphold the law and the Constitution of Nigeria. If their actions are legal, so be it; if not, the law will take its course,” Makinde warned.
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah has assured the public that a new date for the inauguration of the arbitration panel will be communicated soon, aiming to dispel any further misunderstandings.
