Why Sharia law should be implemented in South-West – Oluwo
The Oluwo of Iwo, Osun State, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has thrown his weight behind the implementation of Sharia law in the South-West, stating that it aligns with the constitutional rights of Muslims.
The debate surrounding Sharia law in the region intensified after the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, announced plans to inaugurate a Sharia Court in Oyo town and its environs in January 2025. A flyer announcing the inauguration recently went viral on social media, sparking mixed reactions.
While some netizens supported the idea, others criticised it, arguing that the predominantly Yoruba South-West values cultural and religious diversity, with no single faith holding dominance.
Addressing the concerns during an interview with The Punch, Oba Akanbi explained that elements of Sharia law have been part of the South-West for over a century, particularly in Iwo, which houses a Sharia college. He also pointed to Sharia-compliant banking systems as proof of its integration into the region’s socio-economic fabric.
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He noted that Sharia law primarily addresses personal issues such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance for Muslims, stating that its application does not affect non-Muslims.
“Sharia law has been in Iwo for over 100 years. We even have a Sharia college here. Many Muslims feel disenfranchised when it comes to inheritance and divorce matters because Western education does not fully understand Islamic principles,” he said.
The monarch emphasised that Muslims have the constitutional right to choose Sharia law as a legal framework, adding, “No government can deny Muslims their inalienable rights. If anyone is uncomfortable with it, they are free to convert to Islam, just as Muslims can convert to Christianity. It is a matter of choice.”
Oba Akanbi further called for mutual respect among religious communities, assuring non-Muslims that the implementation of Sharia law would not interfere with their practices or rights.
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