Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced plans to challenge the legality of the recently established Sharia panel in the state in court.
According to the PUNCH, Makinde’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, regarding the commencement of the panel’s sittings in Oyo town, confirmed that the governor is prepared to test the constitutional validity of the Sharia panel.
Olanrewaju emphasized, “The governor was clear from the beginning that if this is a constitutional matter, we must refer to the constitution. Does the Constitution allow it? That is what will guide our actions because we cannot act outside the Constitution.”
He continued, “Does the Constitution allow the establishment of a Sharia panel or Sharia court? If they say it does, it will be tested in court. I don’t think it does. The Constitution does not allow anyone to simply set up a court in a state.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo Land, Dr. Rafiu Bello, confirmed that the Sharia panel had been established and is already holding sittings at the Central Mosque, Akesan, in Oyo town. He stated that the panel meets on Thursdays from 10 am to 1 pm.
Bello added, “Those knowledgeable in Sharia preside over the panel, and people are already approaching it with various issues. Nigerian law allows us to establish a Sharia panel, and observers are welcome.”
This development follows a public outcry that led to the suspension of the panel’s inauguration in January. Makinde had previously stated that his administration would adhere to constitutional guidelines on the issue.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, Olanrewaju clarified that a panel must have state backing to be legal, saying, “The Federal Government or a state government can set up a panel, but individuals or groups cannot.”
He further noted, “If anyone sets up a panel, it will be illegal, and it will be tested in court.”
Opposition to the Sharia panel has been significant, particularly from Christian groups, who are concerned about potential attempts to Islamize the South-West region.
Despite this, proponents argue that the establishment of the panel is necessary for adjudicating disputes within the Muslim community.
Bello mentioned that similar panels already exist in other parts of Oyo State, including Ogbomoso, Kisi, Saki, and Ibadan. He also indicated that a new date for the inauguration of the panel in Oyo town would be announced soon.
The Oyo Sharia panel, which has begun sittings, is currently handling cases related to marital issues, inheritance, land disputes, and breach of agreements.
Bello clarified that the panel is open to both Muslims and non-Muslims, although it specifically serves Muslims seeking to resolve issues according to Sharia law.
In response, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Oyo State, Joshua Akinyemiju, expressed that he was unaware of the panel’s establishment or sittings in Oyo town.
He stated, “I’m not aware of that. I knew they wanted to do it, but when there was an outcry, they postponed it. So, I can’t confirm anything now.”
