By Kolawole Ojebisi
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has vowed to uphold the constitution to sustain the religious harmony pervading the state.
The governor said this in a broadcast on Tuesday night while acknowledging the planned establishment of Sharia court in Oyo State.
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo chapter) had earlier this week announced its plan to inaugurate a court, an arbitration panel for Muslims seeking dispute resolution.
The planned Sharia court inauguration was to take place at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre in Mobolaje Area, Oyo, and was to include prominent figures such as the Basorun of Oyo Land, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Olayinka, and the Aare Musulumi of Oyo Land, Alhaji Chief Tajudeen Abdul-Hammed Kamorise.
The announcement sparked a wave of controversy and intense debates on social media and within the state.
Many indigenes of the state have argued that the introduction of a Sharia court could disrupt the state’s religious harmony.
But addressing the development on Tuesday, Makinde said, “About the establishment of Sharia court in Oyo town, people may try, but for us, I swore to uphold our laws and the Constitution of Nigeria.
“If their actions are within the law, fine, if not they should expect that I will insist the law must be followed,”
Hours after the governor’s address, and amid growing tension, champions of the move announced the postponement of the planned Sharia Court inauguration earlier scheduled for January 11, 2025.
The postponement was contained in a statement signed by the Khadimul Muslimeen of Oyo Kingdom, Imam Daud Igi Ogun.
“The inauguration ceremony of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo branch) has been suspended until further notice. Islam portrays peace.” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, the state government, through the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, emphasised its commitment to upholding the law.
“Oyo State will not permit anything illegal. The focus isn’t about wanting Sharia or not but ensuring that any structure aligns with the legal system we operate,” Olanrewaju said.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has vowed to uphold the constitution to sustain the religious harmony pervading the state.
The governor said this in a broadcast on Tuesday night while acknowledging the planned establishment of Sharia court in Oyo State.
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo chapter) had earlier this week announced its plan to inaugurate a court, an arbitration panel for Muslims seeking dispute resolution.
The planned Sharia court inauguration was to take place at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre in Mobolaje Area, Oyo, and was to include prominent figures such as the Basorun of Oyo Land, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Olayinka, and the Aare Musulumi of Oyo Land, Alhaji Chief Tajudeen Abdul-Hammed Kamorise.
The announcement sparked a wave of controversy and intense debates on social media and within the state.
Many indigenes of the state have argued that the introduction of a Sharia court could disrupt the state’s religious harmony.
But addressing the development on Tuesday, Makinde said, “About the establishment of Sharia court in Oyo town, people may try, but for us, I swore to uphold our laws and the Constitution of Nigeria.
“If their actions are within the law, fine, if not they should expect that I will insist the law must be followed,”
Hours after the governor’s address, and amid growing tension, champions of the move announced the postponement of the planned Sharia Court inauguration earlier scheduled for January 11, 2025.
The postponement was contained in a statement signed by the Khadimul Muslimeen of Oyo Kingdom, Imam Daud Igi Ogun.
“The inauguration ceremony of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo branch) has been suspended until further notice. Islam portrays peace.” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, the state government, through the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, emphasised its commitment to upholding the law.
“Oyo State will not permit anything illegal. The focus isn’t about wanting Sharia or not but ensuring that any structure aligns with the legal system we operate,” Olanrewaju said.
