Islamic Group To Inaugurate Sharia Court In Oyo On January 11 Amid Controversy

The Oyo State chapter of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has announced plans to inaugurate a Sharia court in the state. The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje Area, Oyo.

According to a flier that went viral on Tuesday, notable figures such as the Bashorun of Oyo Land, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Olayinka I, will serve as the Royal Father of the Day, while Alhaji Abdullateef Eleyele and Alhaji Tajudeen Kamorise will be the Spiritual Father of the Day and Chief Host, respectively.

However, the planned Sharia court has sparked controversy, with many Nigerians, particularly on social media, expressing disapproval. Critics argue that the predominantly Yoruba South West is unsuitable for such a move, citing cultural and religious differences compared to the North.

One social media user, identified as #OurFavOnlineDoc, warned of potential implications, stating:
“If Sharia law gets implemented in your state, you can be arrested for ‘indecent dressing,’ selling food during Ramadan, or other actions—even if you’re not a Muslim. This isn’t speculation; it has happened elsewhere.”

Another user, #BabaAjisefa, wrote, “The South West must reject Sharia law in its entirety. It brings no progress and sets dangerous precedents, as seen in the North.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by others, with one user, Ugo, cautioning, “Reject Sharia entirely. Don’t concede an inch. That’s how it starts.”

Efforts to reach the Chairman and Secretary of the Sharia Committee in Oyo, Dr. Rafiu Bello and Sulaimon Abuqoodi, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.