The Supreme Council of Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has announced that it will soon set a new date for the inauguration of an Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel in Oyo State.
The event was initially scheduled for January 11, 2025, but was suspended following a pushback from youths in the Southwest who misunderstood the event as the inauguration of a Sharia court.
The youths argued that Sharia law would not benefit the secularism of the Southwest and pointed out its limited advantages in the north where it is practiced. In response, the Chairman of the Committee, Rabiu Bello Adisa, clarified that the event was incorrectly referred to as the inauguration ceremony of a Sharia Court instead of an Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel.
“Such Arbitration Panels already exist in many parts of the Southwest and are only meant to settle family disputes among willing Muslims, without any power of enforcement. It is not a court,” Adisa explained. He expressed regret over the confusion and the resulting postponement.
CAN Comments on Sharia Court Claims
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) emphasized that the responsibility lies with the Oyo State Government to address concerns about the alleged inauguration of a Sharia court. CAN Director on National Issues and Social Welfare, Apostle Commodore Abiola Ayuba, stated that Nigeria’s Constitution is clear on the secularity of the country and the right to freedom of worship.
He advised verifying from the state government whether there is any law permitting the establishment of Sharia in Oyo State and highlighted the importance of such laws being popular, acceptable, and guaranteeing freedom for all.
Oyo Governor Vows to Uphold Nigeria’s Law
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State made it clear that his stance would be against the establishment of a Sharia Court if it contravenes the law and Constitution of Nigeria. In a video shared by his Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Makinde stressed that he is sworn to uphold the law and constitution, and any actions outside of it would be challenged.
