Chief Imam rejects Sharia in South West, says Yorubaland will not be held hostage by Islamic extremism

By Yinka Odusote

January 31, 2025

Sheik Abdurahman Adenuga, a prominent Islamic scholar and Chief Imam of Muslims in Ilorin, Kwara State, has categorically rejected the introduction of Sharia law in Yorubaland and neighboring states, including Edo, Delta, Kwara, and Kogi.

Sheik Adenuga, who has lived in Saudi Arabia and speaks the Saudi dialect, argued that Sharia law is incompatible with the existing laws and beliefs of the Yoruba people.

He emphasized that Yorubaland has its own distinct culture and language, which cannot be superseded by Islamic law.

“In Yoruba land, Sharia cannot work, the general language God gave us is Yoruba from the beginning,” he declared.

This stance is significant, given the recent push by Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and some Islamic leaders to establish Sharia courts in the Southwest.

Reacting to Sheik Abdurahman Adenuga’s stance, many sees the rejection of Sharia law is a sign of diversity and inclusivity of Yorubaland, where people of different faiths and backgrounds coexist peacefully.

It’s worth noting that not all Islamic leaders share the same views on Sharia law.

While some, like Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, have threatened those opposing Sharia law.

Others like Sheik Abdurahman are taking a more moderate stance.