The Oyo branch of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has indefinitely postponed its planned inauguration of a Sharia court in Oyo town, originally scheduled for January 11, 2025.
The decision follows widespread criticism and debates sparked by the announcement of the court’s inauguration. Many expressed concerns that such a move could disrupt the state’s religious harmony.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde addressed the controversy in a broadcast on Tuesday, stating, “Regarding the establishment of a Sharia court in Oyo town, people may try, but I swore to uphold our laws and the Constitution of Nigeria. If their actions are within the law, fine. If not, I will ensure the law is enforced.”
The proposed inauguration was set to take place at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre in the Mobolaje area of Oyo and was expected to feature prominent figures, including the Basorun of Oyo Land, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Olayinka, and the Aare Musulumi of Oyo Land, Alhaji Chief Tajudeen Abdul-Hammed Kamorise.
However, the backlash prompted the organisers to delay the event indefinitely. In a statement signed by the Khadimul Muslimeen of Oyo Kingdom, Imam Daud Igi Ogun, the group announced, “The inauguration ceremony of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo branch) has been suspended until further notice. Islam portrays peace.”
In an interview with The PUNCH, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ahmed Raji clarified that the proposed structure was not a Sharia court but an arbitration panel for Muslims seeking voluntary dispute resolution.
“The panel is meant to resolve matters between consenting Muslims and lacks judicial authority or punitive powers. No court can be established without government approval,” Raji explained.
Despite this clarification, critics, including the Oyo State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, dismissed the initiative as unconstitutional and a potential threat to the state’s secular nature.
“This should not happen in Oyo State, where Christians and Muslims coexist in nearly every family. There’s no law to support this, and the government is not aware. We won’t allow anything that jeopardizes the peaceful coexistence we enjoy,” Akinyemiju said.
The Oyo State government reiterated its commitment to upholding the law. Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, emphasized, “Oyo State will not permit anything illegal. The focus isn’t on whether Sharia is wanted or not, but ensuring that any structure aligns with the legal framework of the state.”
