Event Postponed Indefinitely Amid Backlash
The inauguration of the Shariah Court, originally scheduled for January 11, 2025, in Oyo Town, Oyo State, has been postponed indefinitely following widespread criticism.
Earlier reports had indicated that the Oyo State chapter of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) planned to hold the event at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje Area, Oyo Town.
However, the council clarified that the program was erroneously titled as the inauguration of a Shariah Court instead of a Shariah Independent Arbitration Panel, prompting the decision to suspend the event.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Imam Daud Igi Ogun, Chairman of the Oyo Muslim Community and Khadimul Muslimeen of Oyo land, explained the mix-up and announced the indefinite postponement.
“The name of the programme was erroneously written/titled as Shariah Court instead of Shariah Independent Arbitration Panel,” Imam Igi Ogun said.
The planned unveiling had sparked controversy, with critics questioning the purpose of establishing a Shariah Court in Oyo. A flier widely circulated on social media had indicated that notable figures, including the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Olayinka, would attend as Royal Father of the Day.
Social media reactions were overwhelmingly critical. One user, #BabaAjisefa, condemned the initiative, stating, “If you’re silent on this Sharia law saga in the Southwest, then you’re enabling it. We reject Sharia law in its entirety. No to Sharia law in Yorubaland.”
Others argued that introducing Shariah laws would hinder progress in the region, drawing comparisons to Northern Nigeria, where similar laws are in place.
Another user, Motolani Alake, linked the issue to broader national challenges, stating, “This Sharia law conversation proves that amalgamating Nigeria was a terrible decision. True federalism or regional sectionalism—or even ‘un-amalgamation’—would be the solution. No country should be subjected to such extreme religious practices.”
