Newsbreak: Sharia court plan foiled in Oyo as Islamic group beats a hasty retreat amiidst fierce backlash

December 24, 2024

By Adedoja Adesoji

An Islamic group has indefinitely postponed the inauguration of a Sharia Court in Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria.

The event, initially scheduled for January 11, 2025, was met with fierce opposition from various groups, including a Yoruba organization that vowed to defend their ancestral land against the imposition of Sharia law.

The Islamic group, under the aegis of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, announced the postponement in a statement signed by Imam Daud Igi Ogun, the Khadimul Muslimeen of Oyo Kingdom.

The statement emphasized that the inauguration ceremony has been suspended until further notice, adding that “Islam portrays peace”.

The planned Sharia Court had raised widespread outrage, with many Nigerians expressing concerns about the potential implications of such a court in the region.

Critics argued that Sharia law is often applied unfairly, targeting the poor and vulnerable while sparing the wealthy and influential.

The Yoruba group that opposed the Sharia Court launch stated that they would resist any attempt to impose Sharia law or courts in Yorubaland, citing the need to protect their distinct culture and traditions.

They also warned the Nigerian Government against creating divisions in Yorubaland and urged Governor Seyi Makinde and other leaders to reject the proposal.

The postponement of the Sharia Court launch is seen as a temporary reprieve for those who opposed the move.

However, it remains to be seen whether the Islamic group will revive their plans in the future.