The controversy around the establishment of Sharia Court in southwest geopolitical zone continues as a top traditional ruler in Yoruba Land backs Sharia law.
A Islamic group had planned to establish a Sharia Court in Oyo town, an area in Oyo State. The group distributed and posted fliers on social media and this caught the attention of the state governor, Seyi Makinde.
He gave his opinion and said that he would always stand up for the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which he swore to keep. He said that he would reject the proposal for Sharia Court in Oyo State.
Nigerian Christians have always been afraid of “Islamization” of the country.
Oba Rasheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo said that the southwest geopolitical zone, which Yoruba people own, have been operating Sharia banks and schools for decades.
He said, “We have Sharia banks in the South-West, and these banks operate according to Sharia law. Sharia law has been in Iwo for over 100 years, and there is a Sharia college in Iwo. It’s the right of Muslims to choose customary law or the high court.”
“Many Muslims feel disenfranchised when it comes to the sharing of inheritance and divorce matters. Western education doesn’t understand the ways of Muslim divorce, marriage, and inheritance. Sharia law is in the constitution of Nigeria, and it’s visible in the North, where there are Nigerians. Anywhere we have Muslims, there is Sharia.”
Oba Akanbi stressed that Sharia law was only for Muslims and did not concern others.
“If any other person likes it, they can convert to Islam, and Muslims can also convert to Christianity. Everyone is free. Sharia shouldn’t be a problem for other religions. No government can deny Muslims their inalienable rights,” he explained.
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