The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has called for the introduction of Sharia law in the South-West, emphasizing that it is in line with the constitutional rights of Muslims in the region.
His remarks come amid widespread public reaction to the announcement of plans to launch a Sharia Court in Oyo State.
A flyer issued by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, revealed the court’s establishment in Oyo town and surrounding areas, with an inauguration set for January 2025.
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The announcement triggered a range of reactions on social media, with some users expressing support, while others criticized it, arguing that the introduction of Sharia courts could threaten the cultural and religious diversity of the South-West, a region predominantly inhabited by the Yoruba people.
In an interview with The Punch, Oba Akanbi defended the move, highlighting that Sharia law has been a part of the region for over a century, particularly in Iwo, which is home to a Sharia college.
He also pointed to the presence of Sharia-compliant banking systems as evidence of the law’s integration into the region.
“Sharia law addresses issues like inheritance, marriage, and divorce among Muslims, and it does not interfere with the practices of other religions,” the monarch explained.
He emphasized that the implementation of Sharia should not be a concern for non-Muslims, as the constitution guarantees freedom of religion.
Oba Akanbi explained that Sharia courts offer Muslims a legal system that aligns with their faith, especially in matters like inheritance and divorce, where Western education may not fully address Islamic viewpoints.
“We have Sharia banks in the South-West, and these banks operate according to Sharia law. Sharia has been in Iwo for over 100 years,” he said. “Muslims have the right to choose between customary law or the high court. No government can deny them their inalienable rights.”
He emphasized that religious freedom is a mutual right, enabling Muslims to practice Sharia while others are free to follow their own faiths, and stressed that Sharia does not pose a threat to other religions.