- Public Outcry as Sharia Court Sparks Religious Tensions in South-West Nigeria
- Netizens Voice Concerns Over Potential Implications of Sharia Law
The Oyo State chapter of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has announced plans to inaugurate a Sharia court in Oyo State, stirring heated debates among Nigerians.
According to a widely circulated flier, the inauguration ceremony is scheduled for January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, located on Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje Area, Oyo. Dignitaries listed for the event include the Bashorun of Oyo land, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Olayinka I, as the Royal Father of the Day; the Mufairu of Oyo land, Alhaji Abdullateef Eleyele, as the Spiritual Father of the Day; and the Aare Musulumi of Oyo land, Alhaji Tajudeen Kamorise, as the Chief Host.
However, the announcement has triggered backlash on social media, with many netizens voicing concerns about the implications of establishing a Sharia court in a predominantly Yoruba South-West region. Critics argue that Sharia law is traditionally associated with northern Nigeria, where Muslims are more dominant, and fear its enforcement could lead to societal divisions and restrictions on non-Muslims.
A prominent X user, identified as #OurFavOnlineDoc, warned about the potential consequences, stating, “If Sharia law gets implemented in your state, you could face arbitrary arrests for ‘indecent dressing’ or other non-compliances, even if you are not Muslim.”
Another user, #BabaAjisefa, expressed fears about the gradual imposition of Sharia law, recalling similar patterns in northern Nigeria. “This is how it starts. Today, they say it’s for Muslims only; tomorrow, Hisbah will be arresting anyone. We reject Sharia law in Yoruba land,” he wrote.
Some users also linked the debate to larger national issues. “This discussion underscores the challenges of Nigeria’s forced amalgamation,” remarked #MotolaniAlake, adding that extreme religious practices often lead to societal regression.
Attempts to contact Dr. Rafiu Bello and Sulaimon Abuqoodi, Chairman and Secretary of the Sharia Committee in Oyo land, were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.
The proposed Sharia court’s inauguration has reignited conversations about religious diversity, governance, and federalism in Nigeria, with many calling for caution to maintain harmony in the culturally diverse South-West region.
