An Islamic organization, the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, has announced plans to inaugurate a Sharia court in the state.
The court’s unveiling is scheduled for January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, located on Oba Adeyemi High School Road in the Mobolaje area of Oyo.
A flier promoting the event, which has been circulating online, invites attendees from across Nigeria.
The ceremony will feature prominent figures, including the Bashorun of Oyo land, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Olayinka 1, as the Royal Father of the Day.
The Mufairu of Oyo land, Alhaji Abdullateef Eleyele, will serve as the Spiritual Father of the Day, while Alhaji Tajudeen Kamorise, the Aare Musulumi of Oyo land, will host the event.
Despite the preparations, the announcement has sparked significant backlash, particularly on social media, where many have expressed concern about introducing Sharia law to a region predominantly populated by Yoruba people.
Critics argue that the South-West is culturally and religiously distinct from northern Nigeria, where Sharia law is more commonly practiced.
One X user, identified as @OurFavOnlineDoc, raised alarm about the implications of implementing Sharia law in the region, stating, “To whom it may concern.Please read this post and listen well. If sharia law gets implemented in your state, let me tell you ahead what will happen.
“You can be randomly arrested and imprisoned for ‘indecent dressing.’ EVEN IF you are not a Muslim, EVEN if you are a Christian, EVEN IF you are a traditionalist, EVEN IF you don’t subscribe to Sharia, and EVEN if you are an atheist.
“During Ramadan, you can be arrested for selling food. Even if you are not a Muslim. As long as they can claim you were selling it to Muslims. I am NOT telling you what they may do. I am telling you what they have ALREADY done.
“Once you hear ‘sharia law,’ just run for your life. They will use it to kill, imprison, cut off people’s limbs, torture, and institutionalize oppression. And guess who the biggest victims will be? The poor and the less privileged. You better lend your voice to say no.”
Another user, @Baba Ajisefa, emphasized the need to oppose the move, warning,“If you’re silent on this Sharia law saga in the southwest, then you’re enabling it. Even if we can’t see the implications of the laws in other nations, we can see it in the north.
“The question is, ‘What progress does it bring?’ And those that claim it will be for Muslims only, don’t forget that was how they started in the north, and Hisbah can arrest anyone now. We reject Sharia law in its entirety. No to Sharia law in Yorubaland.”
Some echoed similar sentiments, with one user, Ugo, cautioning, “Reject any Sharia, anything. Don’t even concede an inch. Because na so e dey start.”
Others questioned the motivations behind the move. An X user, @Alabi, asked, “Genuine question: If you’re so passionate about Sharia, why not move to where it is practiced?”
Another commentator, Motolani Alake, highlighted broader concerns about the implications for Nigeria’s unity, “This Sharia law conversation proves that amalgamating Nigeria was a terrible decision, and true federalism/regional sectionalism or ‘un-amalgamation’ would be the solution. Because why should the entire country be subject to the religious limitations of a select people?
“Especially because this is what led to the Taliban and the downfall of Afghanistan. No country should ever be subjected to such extreme religious practices. I don’t need your extremes to police my flaws. Enforce it in your household. Thank you.”
One user, @Tosin.X, added a humorous but cautionary note,“Some of you think to say Sharia na play. Na from Quilox Lagos Isbah go carry you go Kirikiri.”
Attempts to reach Dr. Rafiu Bello and Sulaimon Abuqoodi, the Chairman and Secretary of the Sharia Committee in Oyo, for comments on the controversy were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to their phones went unanswered.