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Sharia Panel Sparks Controversy in Ekiti, Oyo: Sultan vs. Gani Adams
- Sultan of Sokoto Supports Sharia Panel in South west
- OPC Leader otunba Gani Adams Opposes It
- Religious Tension Rise
The Sultan of Sokoto and leader of Nigeria’s Muslims, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has supported the creation of an Independent Shariah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti and Oyo states. However, Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, has strongly opposed it, saying Sharia is not part of Yoruba culture or beliefs.
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The Sultan expressed concern about what he described as intolerance and denial of Muslim rights in the South West. He stated that despite the large number of Muslims in the region, they have not been allowed to have a Sharia Court of Appeal, which is permitted by the Nigerian Constitution.
A statement from Haroun Eze, Deputy National Legal Adviser of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), said that efforts to establish a Sharia panel in Ekiti had faced strong opposition from political and traditional leaders. He also mentioned that a similar initiative in Oyo had to be postponed because of public anxiety.
The Sultan explained that the proposed panel would only handle civil and marital cases for Muslims who voluntarily agree to use it. He believes the panel is necessary because the government has failed to set up Sharia courts in the South West.
He also criticized the refusal of some schools in the region to allow Muslim girls to wear the Hijab, despite a Supreme Court ruling supporting it.
Meanwhile, Gani Adams, speaking at the Oodua Festival in Ile-Ife, warned that introducing Sharia in the South West could cause problems. He argued that while Sharia law works in Islamic nations like Saudi Arabia, Nigeria is a secular country where people should practice their religion freely.
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He stated that Sharia law does not belong in Yoruba culture and warned religious extremists to stop actions that could create conflict. Adams also raised concerns about rising insecurity in the South West, particularly the activities of ISWAP (Islamic State’s West Africa Province). He urged the government to take action and said the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) was ready to help in securing the region.
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