Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has announced plans to take legal action against the establishment of a Sharia panel in the state. The governor made his position clear through his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, who responded to inquiries about the panel’s operations in Oyo town.
Olanrewaju stated that Makinde’s administration would rely on constitutional provisions to determine the legality of the panel. “The governor was so clear about this matter right from the outset, that if it is a constitutional matter, we have to refer to the constitution. Does the Constitution allow that? That is what will determine the actions that will be taken by the state because we cannot do anything other than the Constitution,” he said.
He further noted that the government believes the constitution does not permit individuals or groups to establish courts independently. “So, does the Constitution allow the establishment of a Sharia panel or Sharia court? If they say it does, it will be tested in court. I don’t think it does. The Constitution does not allow anyone to establish a court. You can’t just set up a court in a state,” Olanrewaju added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Rafiu Bello, Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo Land, confirmed that the panel had already started holding sittings at the Central Mosque, Akesan, Oyo. He explained that the panel operates every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is managed by experts in Sharia law.
“The Sharia panel in Oyo has now been established and it sits at Central Mosque, Akesan, Oyo. Sittings are held on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.,” Bello stated.
He also noted that people were already bringing cases to the panel, which handles disputes related to marriage, inheritance, land conflicts, and agreements. Bello argued that Nigerian law permits the creation of Sharia panels, adding that observers are welcome to attend the sittings.
The establishment of the panel has sparked mixed reactions. Earlier in January, the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Oyo chapter, had postponed the planned inauguration of the panel due to public backlash.
Christian groups, in particular, have raised concerns over what they see as an attempt to introduce Sharia law into the South-West region. However, proponents insist that the panel serves the needs of the Muslim community and is in line with legal provisions.
Bello noted that similar Sharia panels are already in operation in other parts of the state, including Ogbomoso, Kisi, Saki, and Ibadan. He also mentioned that a new date would be set for the official inauguration of the panel in Oyo town.
Bello reiterated that the panel is primarily for Muslims but remains open to non-Muslims seeking to settle disputes through Islamic principles. “Sharia is beneficial to Muslims, even non-Muslims. It’s also voluntary for Muslims. Sharia is a law of Allah relevant to all humans. It is to guide conduct,” he stated.
During the panel’s sittings, he noted that disputing parties are advised based on Islamic teachings and are encouraged to resolve their issues peacefully. “When people approach us with unresolved cases, we offer them advice using God’s words and Islamic teachings. We tell them to suppress their thoughts for the fear of God. By this, we settle many cases. Sharia is concerned about marital harmony. We admonish couples, but it’s up to them to accept the recommendation or not. We should be allowed to practice our religion freely,” he explained.
On the other hand, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo State, Joshua Akinyemiju, expressed that he was not aware of the panel’s activities. “I’m not aware of that. I’m not aware of the establishment of Sharia in Oyo town. I knew they wanted to do that but when there was an outcry against it, they postponed it indefinitely. So, I’m not aware that they’ve reconvened,” he said.
He added that he would look into the matter, noting that there was no prior announcement about the panel’s commencement. “Well, we will find out. Let me find out, because I never heard anything about that. They didn’t publicize it. Maybe they did it secretly. So, I can’t confirm it now,” Akinyemiju stated.
Governor Makinde’s administration has maintained that only the federal or state government has the authority to establish legal panels or courts. Olanrewaju reaffirmed this stance, stressing that the matter will be tested in court to determine whether the panel’s establishment is lawful.
