Oyo State, known for its cultural diversity and religious harmony, was recently at the center of a heated debate following a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) announcing the inauguration of a Sharia court in Oyo town. The post, shared by AbdulQowiyy Olalekan Imam-Oníde (@A_QowiyyBadmus) on December 20, 2024, claimed that the Southwest lacked trial courts for Muslim matters and announced the inauguration of a Sharia court by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Oyo Chapter, scheduled for January 11, 2025.
The invitation included prominent figures such as the Basorun of Oyo land, High Chief Yusuf Olayinka, Alhaji Tajudeen Kamorise (Aare Musulumi of Oyo land), Alhaji Abdul Lateef Eleyele (Mufasiru of Oyo land), and Alhaji Yaqub Mainazara (Amir li-Mumeen of Oyo land). The event was to be held at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Mobolaje Area, Oyo.
Public Backlash and Social Media Concerns
The announcement sparked widespread criticism and fear, with many questioning its implications for unity and social harmony in the Southwest. A user on X warned, “If Sharia law gets implemented in your state, you can be randomly arrested and imprisoned for ‘indecent dressing,’ even if you are not a Muslim.”
Prominent religious leaders and legal experts expressed doubts about the development. Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold, a former chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, and former Attorney General of Oyo State, Mutalubi Ojo, denied knowledge of such plans. Legal luminary Ahmed Raji (SAN) clarified that the initiative was not a Sharia court but an arbitration panel for resolving disputes among consenting Muslims.
Clarification and Postponement
Raji emphasized, *“The council intended to establish a Sharia panel for arbitration, not a court with punitive powers. No court can be established without government approval, and this panel’s decisions are non-binding for those who do not consent.”*
In response to the backlash, the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo Branch) announced the indefinite postponement of the event. In a statement issued on December 24, 2024, and signed by the Khadimul Muslimeen of Oyo Kingdom, Imam Daud Igi Ogun, the group said:
“On behalf of Oyo Muslim indigenes, this is to inform the general public that the inauguration ceremony of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo branch), previously scheduled for January 11, 2025, has been suspended until further notice. Islam portrays peace.”
The controversy highlights the delicate balance between religious practices and public perception in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of transparency and dialogue in maintaining social harmony.
