Why we won’t allow Sharia law in Southwest– Yoruba youth group  

Yoruba Nation Youths have rejected any plans to introduce Sharia law or establish Sharia courts in the Southwest, declaring such efforts unacceptable and a threat to their cultural and regional identity.

Leaders of the group, Ayodele Ologunloluwa (Diaspora) and Oyegunle Omotoyole (Homebase), in a statement on Monday, criticised the proposed inauguration of a Sharia court in Oyo town by the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter), scheduled for January 11, 2025.

The inauguration is expected to take place at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre in the Mobolaje area of Oyo.

However, the Yoruba youths dismissed the initiative as “divisive” and vowed to resist any attempt to impose alien legal systems on Yorubaland.

“We will not allow Sharia law or courts in our land,” the statement said. “Yoruba traditions and values are distinct, and any attempt to impose foreign systems on us will meet firm resistance. Sharia law is incompatible with our way of life and undermines the principles of harmony and coexistence we cherish.”

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The group accused the Federal Government of fostering discord by permitting actions they viewed as provocative, warning that such moves could destabilise the region.

They reiterated their commitment to Yoruba self-determination, stressing that the preservation of their cultural identity remains non-negotiable.

“Instead of a Yoruba man bowing to an alien authority, it is better to stand firm and fight. We will resist with all our might any agenda that threatens our values, peace, and sovereignty,” the statement added.

The group also urged the Federal Government to reconsider policies that could incite conflict, stressing the importance of unity in a diverse nation.