KEY POINTS

• Local Yoruba groups challenge Sharia courts by calling them unconstitutional moves that rob religious freedoms.
• Governor Dapo Abiodun specifically warned South-West Nigeria against using unauthorized Sharia courts since they operate unlawfully.
• The Ogun State executive branch issued an order demanding that those operating in violation stop their activities.

An Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel inaugurated in Ado-Ekiti last week met widespread rejection from Yoruba self-determination groups together with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun in opposition to its adoption.

The Yoruba Regional Alliance (YRA) and numerous self-determination groups conducted a protest in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday carrying signs displaying messages including “No to Sharia in Yorubaland”and “Sharia is a constitutional blunder.” Security forces interrupted the demonstration in Adebayo to stop it from becoming disruptive.

Yoruba Regional Alliance (YRA) leader Opeoluwa Akinola called the push for Sharia a ” adeliberate attempt to cause disharmony” within the peaceful coexistence areas of different faith communities in Yorubaland.

According to him, Islamic law is unnecessary because Yoruba’s current legal framework works well.

Yoruba Nation Religious Council chairperson Oluwafemi Edafemi joined Opeoluwa Akinola as well as other religious leaders to denounce the introduction of Sharia, calling it unbeneficial for the region.

Governor Abiodun delivered a firm response about the situation

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State delivered a firm declaration to reject the formation of a Sharia Court in the state, saying it lacks both legitimacy and constitutional authority.

The government of Ogun State declared all judicial bodies must maintain recognition under national law and confirmed Magistrates’ Courts, High Courts, Customary Courts and Supreme Court as the sole authorized judicial jurisdicions.

The statement

A Sharia Court receives no approval to function inside Ogun State borders. According to Ogun State law all judicial bodies in the state must function under specific constitutional provisions. All unauthorized court establishment attempts violate both state law and fall outside acceptable boundaries.

Saying all owners of the unrecognized Sharia Court must end their illegal activities now and regulating authorities received instructions to track down people trying to operate outside official legal frameworks.

Governor Abiodun defended religious freedom in the state while clarifying that it doesn’t extend to court systems beyond the national legal structure.