Oyo govt should address planned inauguration of Shari’a court — CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said the onus is on the Oyo State Government to respond to claims that a Shari’a court is scheduled to be inaugurated in the state.

A flyer cited by our correspondent shows that the event is scheduled to be held on January 11, 2025, in Oyo, and it is hosted by the Supreme Council of Shari’ah in Nigeria, Oyo State chapter.

This is amid a pushback from youths in the Southwest who claim that the region doesn’t need extremism, adding that Shari’a has not benefited northern states that practice the law.

When our correspondent contacted the CAN Director on National Issues and Social Welfare, Apostle Commodore Abiola Ayuba, on the issue, he said the Constitution of Nigeria is very clear on the secularity of the country and the right of people to freedom of worship.

He said, “If there are issues concerning the establishment of Shari’a in Oyo State, you need to find out from the state government if there’s a law that permits it. What will be the jurisdiction of the particular court? I know that Oyo has a very sizable number of Muslims. Oyo has extant laws.”

Ayuba also called the attention of the Oyo State Assembly to the planned inauguration of a Sharia court in the state.

He further said, “People don’t just come and plant a law. It has to be popular, it has to be acceptable, it has to guarantee freedom. Not freedom for those who want it alone but also for those who do not want it. I believe such a matter will go to the state assembly for discussion.”