The debate over the introduction of Shari’a courts in Nigeria’s South-West region has intensified, with religious and political leaders expressing contrasting views on the issue.
While some Muslim groups defend the move as a constitutional right, key Christian organizations, state governors, and Yoruba self-determination groups oppose it, arguing that it threatens the secular nature of the region.
Origins of the Controversy
The recent uproar was sparked by plans to inaugurate a Shari’a panel at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre in Oyo State. Governor Seyi Makinde opposed the initiative, stating, “I swore to uphold the Nigerian Constitution, and unless it permits it, I will insist on following the law.” Amid the backlash, the Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria (Oyo Branch) indefinitely postponed the inauguration.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun also dismissed the possibility of Shari’a courts in his state, emphasizing that “no law in Ogun State establishes a Shari’a court.”
MURIC and Islamic Leaders Defend Shari’a Panels
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) refuted claims of an attempt to introduce Shari’a courts, clarifying that the initiative was merely for a Shari’a panel—a voluntary arbitration platform for Muslims. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) supported this stance, arguing that denying Muslims access to Shari’a courts was a violation of their rights.
“Every state in the North has Shari’a courts, alongside Customary Courts. Why should South-West Muslims be denied their constitutional right?” the NSCIA stated.
The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) in Ondo State also backed the establishment of Shari’a courts, calling opposition to it an act of discrimination against Muslims.
Christian Leaders and Yoruba Groups Oppose Shari’a
On the other side of the debate, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have strongly opposed the idea.
PFN Chairman in Ondo State, Pastor Joshua Opayinka, stated: “This is an aberration. Can we establish Christian courts in the North? If they want this, let’s first ensure full religious freedom for Christians in Northern Nigeria.”
Oyo CAN Chairman Apostle Joshua Akiyemiju reinforced this view, stressing that “Nigeria is a secular state, and introducing Shari’a in the South-West could create unnecessary divisions.”
Meanwhile, Yoruba self-determination leader Prof. Banji Akintoye rejected Sultan of Sokoto’s endorsement of Shari’a in the region, declaring: “No one will impose fundamentalist Islam on Yoruba people. We are not under any overlord.”
Way Forward?
Despite the heated debate, some religious leaders, including the National Muslim Youth Organisation (NACOMYO), have called for a peaceful resolution.
“The Shari’a panel is voluntary and only concerns Muslims. It should not be a source of conflict,” NACOMYO said.
As discussions continue, the controversy raises broader questions about religious rights, constitutional provisions, and the balance between faith and governance in Nigeria’s diverse society.
