Aregbesola, Adesina champion Sharia Law in Yorubaland, citing constitutional provisions

January 13, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

Two prominent figures in Nigeria’s political and legal landscape have expressed their support for the establishment of Sharia court in Yorubaland.

Rauf Aregbesola, the former Governor of Osun State, and Mahmud Adesina, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), have both advocated for the creation of Sharia Court of Appeal in the southwest states.

Adesina, who was recently turbaned as the Wazeerul Muslimeen of Ifon Orolu community in Osun State, emphasized the importance of establishing Sharia Court of Appeal in compliance with the provisions of Section 275, 276, and 277 of the Nigerian constitution.

He stated, “We’ve heard a lot of things about the establishment of Sharia Panel in southwest states, I want to say that what we should agitate for is Sharia Court of Appeal in compliance totally with the provisions of Section 275, 276, and 277 of the constitution of Nigeria.”

Adesina further explained that while some states have Sharia panels to resolve disputes among Muslims, they lack enforcement powers. He argued that the establishment of Sharia Courts of Appeal would provide the necessary enforcement mechanisms, as outlined in the constitution.

“The constitution explicitly provides for this by using the word ‘shall,'” he noted.

Aregbesola, who was also present at the event, discouraged Yoruba traditional monarchs from practicing only one religion.

He said, “Kings in Yorubaland don’t adhere to a single religion. No Yoruba king can be exclusively Muslim, Christian, or traditionalist. Unless the monarch is not truly Yoruba.”

Aregbesola emphasized the importance of Yoruba monarchs participating in all religious practices, stating, “A Yoruba monarch must participate in all religious practices. Whether it’s the Egungun festival, Islamic prayers, or Christian celebrations, you must be involved. That’s how Almighty God created the Yoruba people.”

The event was attended by other notable figures, including ex-Zamfara governor, Senator Ahmad Yerima.

The development is seen as a significant step towards the establishment of Sharia law in Yorubaland, with both Aregbesola and Adesina citing constitutional provisions to support their arguments.