The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo branch) announced on Tuesday the indefinite postponement of its plan to inaugurate a Sharia court in Oyo town.
The postponement followed widespread outcry against the planned inauguration of the Sharia court, which had been scheduled for 11th January 2025.
In a statement on Tuesday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde acknowledged the planned Sharia court and the ensuing controversy.
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“Regarding the establishment of the 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, with 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, expected to attend.
However, the announcement sparked intense debate on social media and within the state, with critics arguing that the introduction of a Sharia court could disrupt the religious harmony within the state.
Amid rising tensions, 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 stated, “The inauguration ceremony of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo branch) has been suspended until further notice. Islam portrays peace.”
The Oyo State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, condemned 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 is no law to support this, and the government is not aware. We won’t allow anything that jeopardises the peaceful coexistence we enjoy,” Akinyemiju stated.
The state government, through the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the law.
