Oyo Government to Challenge Legality of Sharia Panel in Court
Ibadan, Nigeria – The Oyo State government has vowed to challenge the establishment of a Sharia panel in Oyo town, calling it unconstitutional and beyond the jurisdiction of non-state entities.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration insists that only the state or federal government has the legal authority to set up judicial bodies, questioning the legitimacy of the panel, which has already begun sittings at the Central Mosque in Akesan, Oyo.
State Government’s Position
Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, reaffirmed the government’s stance, stressing that the Constitution does not recognize independent judicial panels outside state-backed institutions.
“The governor was clear from the outset: if it’s a constitutional matter, we must refer to the Constitution. Does it permit the establishment of a Sharia panel or court? If proponents claim it does, we will test it in court. We believe it doesn’t,” Olanrewaju stated.
He warned that any judicial panel operating without state approval is illegal and will not be recognized by the government.
Sharia Panel Defends Its Legitimacy
Dr. Rafiu Bello, Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo Land, confirmed that the panel is operational and holds sessions every Thursday to resolve marital disputes, inheritance matters, and land conflicts.
“Nigerian law permits Sharia, and our panel is open to all, though it is designed for Muslims who voluntarily seek resolution under Islamic law,” Bello said.
He also pointed out that similar panels have been functioning in Ogbomoso, Kisi, Saki, and Ibadan.
The panel’s establishment had faced opposition earlier in January, leading to a temporary suspension after a public outcry. However, Bello revealed that proceedings had resumed discreetly in Oyo town.
Christian Association Reacts
Rev. Joshua Akinyemiju, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo State, expressed shock over the development, claiming that the matter was initially postponed following protests.
“I knew they planned this earlier, but after protests, it was postponed indefinitely. If they’ve proceeded secretly, we will investigate,” he stated.
With the state government preparing for a legal battle, the controversy surrounding the Sharia panel is expected to escalate, drawing national attention to the limits of religious legal systems within Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
