Islamic Group to Unveil Sharia Court in Oyo in January

The Oyo State chapter of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria plans to unveil a Sharia court in the state and its environs.

A flier that went viral on Tuesday invited guests from across the country to the court’s inauguration ceremony on January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje Area, Oyo.

The flier listed Bashorun of Oyo land, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Olayinka 1 as Royal Father of the Day; Mufairu of Oyo land, Alhaji Abdullateef Eleyele as the Spiritual Father of the Day, and Aare Musulumi of Oyo land, Alhaji Tajudeen Kamorise as the Chief Host.

However, the upcoming ceremony has faced disapproval from netizens, with many arguing that the South West, populated by Yoruba people, is not like the North where Muslims are more dominant.

One X user, #OurFavOnlineDoc, warned about the potential consequences of implementing Sharia law, stating that people could be arrested for "indecent dressing" or selling food during Ramadan, regardless of their religion.

Another user, #Baba Ajisefa, urged people to speak out against Sharia law in the South West, highlighting the negative implications seen in the North.

Attempts to reach the Chairman and Secretary of the Sharia Committee in Oyo, Dr. Rafiu Bello and Sulaimon Abuqoodi, were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.