An Islamic group under the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, has clarified the reasons for the postponement of the planned inauguration of a Sharia court in Oyo town.
The group explained that the delay was due to an inadvertent reference to the event as the “inauguration of a Shari’a court” rather than the intended “Independent Shari’a Arbitration Panel.”
In a press statement signed by the Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Bello Adisa, and made available to our correspondent on Wednesday, the group emphasised that the arbitration panel already operates in several South-West states and is designed to resolve family disputes among willing Muslims.
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Adisa confirmed that a new date for the inauguration would be announced soon.
The statement read, “This is to inform the general public, on behalf of the entire Muslim community of Oyo town, that the inauguration ceremony of the Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel in Oyo town, initially scheduled for 11th January 2025 at Oyo Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Agbogangan, Oyo, has been postponed. A new date will be announced later.
“The postponement follows an inadvertent reference to the event as the inauguration of a Shari’a court in Oyo town and its environs instead of the Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel.
“This arbitration panel, which already exists in many parts of the South-West, is meant only to settle family disputes among willing Muslims, without enforcement powers. It is not a court. We deeply regret any inconvenience caused by this misrepresentation and the subsequent postponement.”
The event had originally been scheduled for 11th January 2025 at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Agbogangan, Oyo. A flier inviting guests from across the country to the ceremony had gone viral, listing prominent figures such as Bashorun of Oyo Land, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Olayinka I, as the Royal Father of the Day, Mufairu of Oyo Land, Alhaji Abdullateef Eleyele, as the Spiritual Father of the Day, and Aare Musulumi of Oyo Land, Alhaji Tajudeen Kamorise, as the Chief Host.
However, the announcement faced backlash on social media, with many arguing that the South-West, predominantly Yoruba, is distinct from the northern regions where Muslims are more dominant.
In response to the controversy, the group, through the Khadimul Muslimeen of Oyo Kingdom, Imam Daud Igi Ogun, issued the statement postponing the event.
