The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has voiced his support for the proposed introduction of Sharia law in the South-West region of Nigeria.
According to the monarch, Sharia law has long been a part of Yoruba tradition and culture.
His statement follows plans by an Islamic organization to inaugurate a Sharia council on January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre in Oyo State. However, the event has been postponed indefinitely due to widespread public criticism.
The proposed inauguration sparked reactions from various quarters, with critics arguing that the predominantly Yoruba South-West differs from the northern region, where Islam holds a majority following.
Addressing the controversy, Oba Akanbi highlighted that Sharia law has existed in the Yoruba region for decades.
“We have Sharia-compliant banks in the South-West, and they operate within the framework of Sharia law. In Iwo, Sharia has been in practice for over 100 years, and we even have a Sharia college. It’s the right of Muslims to choose between customary law and the high court,” he said.
The monarch further explained that Sharia law addresses issues such as inheritance, marriage, and divorce in ways that align with Islamic teachings.
He emphasized that it is an integral part of Nigeria’s legal framework, especially in regions with a significant Muslim population.
Oba Akanbi clarified that Sharia law is exclusively for Muslims and does not interfere with the rights of adherents of other religions.
“Sharia law is for Muslims. If anyone is interested, they can convert to Islam. Similarly, Muslims are free to convert to Christianity. Everyone has the freedom to choose their religion. Sharia should not be a source of conflict for people of other faiths,” he added.
The monarch underscored that the constitution guarantees the rights of Muslims to practice Sharia law, and no authority can deny them this right.
