Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has addressed the proposed implementation of Sharia Law in certain South-West states, including Oyo, clarifying that his administration will not oppose any initiative that aligns with the Nigerian Constitution.
This statement comes in response to media reports suggesting the Oyo State Government would legally challenge the plan.
Governor Makinde stated that individuals are free to utilize the Sharia Panel as an alternative dispute resolution method.
He emphasized that the courts, as outlined by the Constitution, retain the authority to settle all disputes, and his administration will consistently adhere to constitutional principles.
Makinde made these remarks during the 2025 Iftar Programme organized by the Oyo State Government, the sixth such event since his tenure began in 2019, held in Ibadan.
He affirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering religious harmony and unity in the state, and pledged to prevent any attempts to create discord.
He also noted that while some individuals may seek to exploit religious divisions for political gain, his government remains dedicated to the sustainable development of the state for the benefit of its residents and future generations.
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“I read in the newspaper that I would go to Court for interpretation on the Sharia Panel, which is ongoing in Oyo. That is not my position,” Makinde was quoted to have said in a statement released by the Oyo State government.
“My position is that we will support anything that is in our Constitution. I made a statement when Muslims in Southwestern Nigeria (MUSWEN) came to my office that we should not encourage discord among ourselves no matter how little.
“The interpretation on my own side is that, even in our families, it is not every issue we take to court. When people have disagreements, the elders in the family try to settle the dispute.
“So, on this particular Sharia Panel, whoever wants to patronise it and feels it is an alternative dispute mechanism, it is okay. It will help the government and ensure that the cases going to our judges are reduced.
“We will encourage alternative dispute resolution mechanism and the only thing I can say is that if it is something to be enforced or that needs more clarity, you still have the court, which is recognised by the Constitution.
“We have all lived together peacefully and as we move towards the next election, there will be elements that only think about the next election. But what we have done in this administration is to think about the next generation.
“This is the reason that after three years into this government, we sat down and thought we should rehabilitate our roads. Before now, previous administrations would come in, patch the roads but during raining seasons, they get destroyed again.
“In our own estimation, we observed that most of these roads are 50 years old to 60 years old. So, we said we would scrape them, reconstruct them so that for the next 30 years, nobody would do anything on them.
“So, as we move towards the next election, let us be vigilant. People will come with all sorts. But I know that your prayers will see us through. Oyo State would never go back to the era of ‘do or die’ politics.”
The statement further indicated that Governor Makinde expressed gratitude to the Muslim community in Oyo State for their prayers, support, and cooperation, which he credited for the significant progress and development achieved by his administration.
He also thanked the state’s legislators, judiciary, and citizens for their collaboration, and commended the service chiefs for their efforts in maintaining peace and security within the state.
Governor Makinde urged everyone to avoid promoting disunity that could disrupt the peaceful environment in Oyo State.
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