Oyo State Sharia Court Inauguration Suspended

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo branch), on Tuesday, announced the indefinite postponement of its plan to inaugurate a Sharia court in Oyo town.

The postponement followed widespread outcry against the planned Sharia Court inauguration earlier scheduled for January 11, 2025.

In a broadcast on Tuesday, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, acknowledged the planned Sharia court and the attendant controversy.

“About the establishment of Sharia court in Oyo town, people may try, but for us, I swore to uphold our laws and the Constitution of Nigeria.
“If their actions are within the law, fine, if not they should expect that I will insist the law must be followed,” the governor said.

The planned Sharia court inauguration was to take place at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre in Mobolaje Area, Oyo, and was to include prominent figures such as 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 announcement sparked intense debates on social media and within the state, with critics arguing that the introduction of a Sharia court could disrupt the state’s religious harmony.

Amid growing tension, the organisers announced the indefinite postponement of the event.
In a statement signed by the Khadimul Muslimeen of Oyo Kingdom, Imam Daud Igi Ogun, the group said, “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, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Oyo State, Ahmed Raji, had clarified that the planned structure was not a Sharia court but an arbitration panel for Muslims seeking voluntary dispute resolution.

“The panel is for resolving matters between consenting Muslims and does not have judicial authority or punitive measures. No court can be established without government approval,” Raji explained.

The Oyo State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, dismissed the initiative, describing it as unconstitutional and a 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 stated.

The state government, through the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, emphasised its commitment to upholding the law.

“Oyo State will not permit anything illegal. The focus isn’t about wanting Sharia or not but ensuring that any structure aligns with the legal system we operate,” Olanrewaju said.