Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the proposed Sharia panels in the South-West, stating that the resistance to their establishment stems from a lack of understanding.
There has been growing controversy over the introduction of Sharia arbitration panels in states like Oyo and Ekiti. In Ekiti, where the panel was set up, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, called on the Chief Imam of Ado Ekiti, Shaykh Jamiu Kewulere, and directed that the panel be dissolved. Similarly, some Yoruba activists have voiced their disapproval, arguing that such panels contradict the secular nature of the Yoruba people.
Critics of the panels believe that Sharia-led states in Nigeria have struggled with issues such as insecurity, violence, and religious conflicts. They argue that introducing such panels in the South-West could lead to similar challenges. However, Muslim leaders defending the initiative have stated that the panels are strictly for arbitration in civil cases concerning Muslims, particularly in matters like marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
Addressing the matter in a television interview, Shittu noted that the backlash against the panels is largely due to misinformation about their purpose and the legal framework supporting them. He explained that such panels have been operating in some South-West states for over a decade without causing any disturbances.
He said, “In Yorubaland, whether governors or the so-called Yoruba activists, their problem is ignorance of the constitution of Nigeria.
“Sharia is about fundamental human rights in relation to religion. The constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
“What is the sense of two Muslims going to get married in the mosque under Sharia Law, when they want to divorce, you ask them to go to a Customary Court which may be completely made up of even Christians, animists or people who do not understand the law under which these people got married.
“Common sense dictates that the law under which you married should be the one to be used in deciding on your divorce In Oyo State, there has been a Sharia Panel and in Lagos State for more than 10 years. What crisis has it caused to anybody? Has any Christian or non-Muslims been drafted to a Sharia Court?
“These constitutional fundamental religious rights are inherent in you as a human being whether in Ekiti or anywhere, people have a right to determine under which law they manage their affairs. I expect the Muslim Community in those states would take the government or people trying to disturb their peace to court.”
