Governor of Oyo State Seyi Makinde, has announced that his administration will challenge the legality of the recently established Sharia panel in the state. The announcement came in response to the commencement of the panel’s sittings in Oyo town, which began this week.
Makinde’s Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, made the governor’s position clear on Monday. He emphasized that if the matter is constitutional in nature, the state government will refer to the Constitution to determine its legality.
“The governor was very clear about this from the outset: if it’s a constitutional matter, we must adhere to the Constitution. Does the Constitution allow for the establishment of a Sharia panel or court? That is what will determine the course of action we will take,” Olanrewaju said.
He further explained, “We cannot act outside the Constitution. If the Constitution allows the creation of a Sharia panel, then it will be tested in court. I personally do not believe it does. The Constitution does not authorize anyone to establish a court on their own. You cannot just set up a court in a state.”
In contrast, the Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo Land, Rafiu Bello, confirmed that the Sharia panel in Oyo had already begun its sittings at the Central Mosque, Akesan, in Oyo. Bello added that the panel holds meetings on Thursdays from 10 am to 1 pm, addressing issues such as marital disputes, inheritance, breach of agreements, and land disputes.
According to Bello, the establishment of the Sharia panel is lawful, as Nigerian law permits the formation of such panels. “The law allows us to establish a Sharia panel. Observers are welcome to attend the panel’s sittings,” he said.
Earlier, in January, the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo chapter) had suspended plans to inaugurate the panel following public outcry. Governor Makinde had then reiterated that his administration would follow the Constitution on the matter.
Olanrewaju reaffirmed this position, stating that even if a panel is formed, it must have the backing of the state government to be considered legal. “The Federal Government can establish a panel; the state government can establish a panel. But individuals or groups cannot set up a panel without the state’s approval. A panel that will sit in judgment must have the backing of the state. Otherwise, it will be illegal,” Olanrewaju said.
The Oyo State government has emphasized that it is committed to upholding the rule of law, and any unauthorized panels will be tested in court to determine their legality.
The move to set up the Sharia panel in Oyo has sparked opposition, particularly from Christian groups who view it as an attempt to impose Islamic law in the predominantly Christian South-West region. Despite this, proponents of the Sharia panel argue that it is necessary for resolving issues within the South-West Muslim community and that it is in line with Sharia principles.
Bello confirmed that similar Sharia panels are operational in other parts of Oyo State, including Ogbomoso, Kisi, Saki, and Ibadan, and assured that a new inauguration date for the panel in Oyo town would be announced soon. The panel’s proceedings have already begun, addressing cases related to family disputes, inheritance, and agreements.
While the panel is primarily intended for Muslims seeking to resolve issues according to Sharia law, Bello noted that non-Muslims are also welcome to approach it. He emphasized that Sharia law is voluntary and beneficial for Muslims and even non-Muslims, as it serves to guide conduct and promote peace, particularly in marital matters.
However, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Oyo State, Joshua Akinyemiju, expressed his lack of awareness about the panel’s establishment and sittings in Oyo town. He stated, “I’m not aware of that. I knew they wanted to do that, but when there was an outcry, they postponed it indefinitely. I’m not aware that they’ve reconvened.”
The issue remains contentious, and it is expected that the legal challenge will continue to evolve as the situation develops.
