Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the Nigerian Constitution, stating that it will take precedence over Shariah court amid plans by a group to establish one in the state.
Speaking in a video seen by SaharaReporters on X, Governor Makinde said his government will never allow any actions that breach the provision of secularism enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
He stressed that although there may be calls for a Shariah court, his primary duty is to uphold the Nigerian Constitution, the highest law of the land. As a public official, he is sworn to protect and defend the constitution, which outlines the fundamental principles and rules governing the country.
The governor’s stance comes amid reports that the Oyo state chapter of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria had announced plans to establish a Shariah court in the state and its environs.
In a flier that circulated widely today (Tuesday), the religious group invited Nigerians nationwide for the court’s inauguration ceremony.
The event was initially slated to take place on January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje area, Oyo town.
However, the group later postponed the inauguration of the court indefinitely.
Speaking on these developments, the state governor maintained that he will ensure that the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution are strictly followed on the matter.
He said: “They have brought up the issue of Shariah in Oyo, they demanded the establishment of a Shariah court. I say that people may try but for me, in Oyo State, our law is the constitution of Nigeria, which is what I swore to uphold.
“And if they are within the law, fine. But if they are not, they should expect that I will insist the law is being followed.”
