Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced plans to take legal action against the recently established Sharia panel in the state.
The announcement came after the panel began its sittings in Oyo town, with Governor Makinde questioning the constitutional legality of such a panel.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde made it clear that the state would refer the matter to the court to determine if the establishment of the Sharia panel was in line with the Constitution.
Olanrewaju said, “If it is a constitutional matter, we have to refer to the constitution. Does the Constitution allow that? That is what will determine the actions that will be taken by the state.”
Makinde’s stance is based on his interpretation of the Constitution, which, according to him, does not allow the establishment of a Sharia panel or court without proper legal backing. He added, “You can’t just set up a court in a state… if anybody does that, it will be illegal.”
Despite the opposition, Dr. Rafiu Bello, Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo Land, confirmed that the panel had begun its sittings at the Central Mosque, Akesan, Oyo.
The panel is currently handling cases involving marital disputes, inheritance, breach of agreements, and other matters. Bello defended the establishment of the panel, stating, “Nigerian law allows us to establish Sharia. The law allows us to establish a Sharia panel.”
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo State has expressed concerns over the panel, with Joshua Akinyemiju, the CAN Chairman, admitting that he was unaware of the panel’s reconvening in Oyo town.
He mentioned, “I’m not aware of that. I knew they wanted to do that but when there was an outcry against it, they postponed it indefinitely.”
The matter has sparked widespread debate, with opponents fearing the Islamization of the South-West region, while proponents argue that the panel is necessary for resolving disputes within the Muslim community.