JUST IN: 2027-South-West Islamic clerics issue major threat over Sharia courts

A coalition of Islamic leaders in Nigeria’s South-West has declared their determination to unseat politicians who resist the establishment of Sharia courts in the region. In a bold move, they also warned of possible legal action against any governor who blocks the practice, arguing that such opposition violates Muslims’ religious rights....Read Full Article >>➤

Leading Islamic organizations, including the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria and the Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars in Nigeria, are spearheading the demand for Sharia courts in Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Lagos states.

They insist that these courts, designed to handle personal and family law for Muslims, would not interfere with the rights of non-Muslims.

Momentum for the initiative grew in October 2024 when the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs launched an independent Sharia Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State. The panel, led by three Kadhis—Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, Imam Abdulraheem Junaid-Bamigbola, and Dr Ibrahim Aminullahi-Ogunrinde—seeks to provide faith-based arbitration in accordance with Islamic principles.

However, the proposal has ignited a firestorm of controversy. Yoruba nation activists and other critics insist that the culturally diverse South-West, home to Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists, should not accommodate Sharia courts. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has outright rejected the idea, citing the state’s legal framework.

“No Sharia court is authorized to operate within Ogun State,” Abiodun asserted. “The only courts empowered by law are those recognized by the Nigerian Constitution, such as Magistrates’ Courts, High Courts, and Customary Courts.”

Despite the resistance, key Islamic figures remain resolute. Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, defended the initiative, stating, “For sustainable peace, there is nothing wrong with Muslims having Sharia courts in the South-West.”

Similarly, Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Sheikh Ridwan Jamiu, has urged Muslims to demand an explicit commitment from political candidates before casting their votes.

“Oh Muslims, as elections approach, any candidate seeking your support for governorship must pledge to establish Sharia courts,” Jamiu declared in his Jumu’ah sermon. “If they refuse to sign an agreement with the Muslim community, do not vote for them.”

Backing this stance, the National President of Jama’at Ta’awunil Muslimeen, Sheikh Daood Imran, warned that it is sinful for a Muslim to support any politician who stands against Sharia law.

“No Muslim should vote for any politician who is against Sharia. Any Muslim who does so has sinned against God,” Imran emphasized.

He further questioned the opposition, arguing, “Sharia law is not binding on non-Muslims, nor does it override federal and state laws. We are not fighting anybody; we are only appealing to the government to let us practise our religion as stipulated. But if the government refuses to listen, we will vote against such a government.”

The push for Sharia courts has triggered mixed reactions within the Muslim community. Secretary-General of the Ogun State Muslim Council, Kamaldeen Akintunde, urged caution, warning against politicizing the matter.

“Saying that Muslims should not vote for politicians who do not support Sharia is going too far,” he said. “The focus should be on educating Nigerians about Sharia law, not on making political threats.”

Meanwhile, South-West state governments appear unmoved by the clerics’ demands. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Media, Gboyega Akoshile, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to religious freedom.

“This is Lagos State; people have the freedom to associate and practise any religion of their choice,” Akoshile stated. “The government is focused on development, not religious disputes.”

Similarly, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s spokesperson, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, stressed that the state would only act within constitutional boundaries.

“If the Constitution permits it, we will allow it,” he said. “If not, we won’t.”

The debate continues to escalate as 2027 elections approach, with clerics standing firm in their resolve to make Sharia courts a political litmus test. Whether this movement will shape the political landscape in the South-West remains to be seen. ...Read Full Article >>➤