Makinde May Drag Muslim Leaders To Court As Sharia Panel Begins In Oyo
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, gave the hint on Monday while responding to inquiries from The PUNCH about the panel’s operations.
According to Olanrewaju, the state government will take legal action if the establishment of the panel is deemed unconstitutional.
“The governor was very clear on this matter from the outset. If it is a constitutional issue, then we must refer to the Constitution. Does the Constitution allow this? That is what will determine the state’s actions because we cannot act outside the law,” he said.
He added, “So, does the Constitution allow the establishment of a Sharia panel or court? If they claim it does, it will be tested in court. I don’t think it does. The Constitution does not permit individuals or groups to set up a court in a state.”
Despite the controversy, the Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo Land, Dr. Rafiu Bello, confirmed that the panel had commenced sittings at the Central Mosque, Akesan, Oyo.
“The Sharia panel in Oyo has now been established and sits every Thursday from 10 am to 1 pm. Those knowledgeable in Sharia law preside over the panel, and people have started bringing cases before it,” Bello stated.
He argued that Nigerian law permits the establishment of a Sharia panel and welcomed observers to witness its proceedings.
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Oyo chapter, had earlier suspended the panel’s inauguration in January following public outcry.
However, Bello maintained that the panel’s establishment was lawful and necessary for the South-West Muslim community.
He also revealed that similar Sharia panels already exist in other parts of Oyo State, including Ogbomoso, Kisi, Saki, and Ibadan, and that a new date would be announced for the formal inauguration of the Oyo panel.
Makinde’s administration has consistently maintained that the state will be guided by constitutional provisions on the matter.
Reiterating this stance, Olanrewaju said, “Even if it is a panel, it must have the backing of the state.
The Federal Government and state governments can set up panels, but individuals or groups cannot establish panels that sit in judgment over people without legal backing. If anybody does that, it is illegal.”
He added that Oyo State remains committed to the rule of law and would take the matter to court if necessary.
“If this comes to our notice, it will be tested in court. The court will determine whether it is legal or not. But for us in Oyo State, we are being guided by the Constitution and its provisions,” he affirmed.
During its inaugural sittings, the Oyo Sharia panel reportedly handled cases related to marital disputes, inheritance, land disagreements, and contractual breaches.
Bello clarified that while the panel is designed for Muslims seeking resolution based on Islamic principles, it remains open to both Muslims and non-Muslims.
“Sharia is beneficial to Muslims and even non-Muslims. It is voluntary. Sharia is a law of Allah relevant to all humans, and it is meant to guide conduct,” he stated.
He added that the panel aims to offer advice rooted in Islamic teachings, emphasizing reconciliation and the fear of God in resolving disputes.
Meanwhile, opposition to the panel’s establishment remains strong, particularly from Christian groups and civil society organizations, who argue that it is an attempt to Islamize the South-West.
Despite the resistance, proponents insist that the panel is non-negotiable and a necessary institution for the region’s Muslim community.
