Religious Tensions Rise: Backlash Greets Planned Sharia Court in Oyo State

The Oyo State chapter of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has perfected plans  to inaugurate a Sharia court in Oyo State come January 11, 2025.

The inauguration scheduled to take place at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, located on Oba Adeyemi High School Road, in the Mobolaje Area of Oyo town.

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Some Prominent personalities are expected to grace the occasion.Among them are High Chief Yusuf Akinade Olayinka, the Bashorun of Oyo land, who will serve as the Royal Father of the Day.

Alhaji Abdullateef Eleyele will act as the Spiritual Father of the Day, while Alhaji Tajudeen Kamorise has been named the Chief Host.

However, the announcement, which circulated widely on social media through a flier, has sparked heated debates and criticisms, particularly from individuals concerned about the implications of introducing Sharia law in Oyo State.

According to Critics, the  initiative is divisive, considering the Southwest’s diverse cultural and religious makeup, which includes a significant population of Christians, traditionalists, and those who do not adhere to Islam.

Social media platforms have been flooded with concerns about the proposed court, with critics warning about the potential for abuse.

A user on X (formerly Twitter), known as #OurFavOnlineDoc, cautioned, “To whom it may concern, listen well. If Sharia law gets implemented in your state, here’s what will happen.

You can be randomly arrested and imprisoned for ‘indecent dressing,’ EVEN IF you are not a Muslim.

During Ramadan, you can be arrested for selling food—even if you are not fasting. Sharia law institutionalises oppression, and the biggest victims will be the poor and less privileged.”

Another user, #BabaAjisefa, added, “If you’re silent on this Sharia law saga in the Southwest, then you’re enabling it. We reject Sharia law in its entirety. No to Sharia law in Yorubaland.”

Critics also referenced the outcomes in Northern Nigeria, where Sharia law has been implemented in various states, as a cautionary tale.

“This Sharia law conversation proves that amalgamating Nigeria was a terrible decision,” said Motolani Alake, another commentator. “True federalism or un-amalgamation is the only solution. No country should be subjected to such extreme religious practices.”

Despite the mounting criticism, Dr. Rafiu Bello and Sulaimon Abuqoodi, the Chairman and Secretary of the Sharia Committee in Oyo State have not made comments about the trending subject matter.

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The controversy continues to generate debates, with many observers calling for clarity and dialogue to address the fears and concerns of the public.

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