Yoruba group rejects proposed Sharia court in Oyo state

December 24, 2024

By Ayinde Adeleke

A prominent Yoruba group, Think Yoruba First, TYF, has unequivocally rejected and condemned plans to establish a Sharia court in Oyo Town and its environs.

This was contained in a press statement issued on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, made available to The Yoruba Times.

The proposed inauguration, set for January 11, 2025, is seen as a threat to the region’s harmonious religious and cultural balance.

According to the group, Yorubaland has a long history of religious diversity and coexistence, with Christians, Muslims, and traditional believers living together in mutual respect.

The introduction of a Sharia court is viewed as a slippery slope to religious divisiveness, which contradicts the values and aspirations of the Yoruba people.

Part of the statement reads, “Yorubaland is renowned for its history of religious diversity and coexistence, where individuals of various faiths—be it Christianity, Islam, or traditional beliefs—live together in mutual respect.

“The introduction of a sharia court in our region is not the wish of the Yoruba people, not even those who practice the Islamic faith, as all cultured Yorubas are determined to maintain unity and shun all that threatens to sow seeds of discord in our communities.

“The introduction of a sharia court is a slippery slope to religious divisiveness which is not in line with the values or aspirations of the Yoruba people and must be decisively addressed.”

The group asserts that “the legal system in Oyo State is governed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the customary provisions of Yorubaland. “

They call on the state Government to prioritize preserving cultural and religious harmony and encourage Yoruba citizens to remain vigilant and united in opposing any attempts to alter the legal and social framework to favor one religious ideology over others.

The statement concludes with a commitment to safeguarding the unity, peace, and progress of Yorubaland, emphasizing the importance of upholding values of inclusivity, justice, and respect for all.