Oluwo Defends Sharia Court Plans in South-West, Cites Religious Rights

Kehinde Fajobi

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has called for the adoption of Sharia law in the South-West, asserting that it aligns with the constitutional rights of Muslims in the region.

His statement comes amidst public debate over the planned inauguration of a Sharia Court in Oyo State, set for January 2025.

A flyer by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, announced the court’s establishment in Oyo town and its environs.

The announcement sparked diverse reactions on social media. While some supported the initiative, others criticised it, claiming it could undermine the South-West’s cultural and religious diversity, a predominantly Yoruba region.

In an interview with The Punch, Oba Akanbi defended the initiative, noting that Sharia law has a longstanding history in the region.

“Sharia law addresses issues like inheritance, marriage, and divorce among Muslims, and it does not interfere with the practices of other religions,” the monarch stated.

He added that Iwo has hosted a Sharia college for over a century, and Sharia-compliant banking systems already operate in the South-West as evidence of its integration.

“We have Sharia banks in the South-West, and these banks operate according to Sharia law. Sharia has been in Iwo for over 100 years,” he explained.

Oba Akanbi stressed that Sharia courts provide Muslims with legal options that align with their faith, particularly in areas like inheritance and divorce, which Western education does not fully address.

“Muslims have the right to choose between customary law or the high court. No government can deny them their inalienable rights,” he said.

He also emphasised that Sharia law is not a threat to other religions and its implementation should not concern non-Muslims.

“Religious freedom is a two-way street, allowing Muslims to practice Sharia and others to follow their own faiths,” the monarch concluded.