Oloyede advocates for Sharia Court of Appeal in Western Nigeria

The Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has advocated for the establishment of a Sharia Court of Appeal in the western part of the country.

Oloyede stated that the growing population of Muslims in the western part of the country needs the services of a Sharia Court of Appeal for fairness.

He disclosed this at the three-day conference of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba, Edo, and Delta in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

He noted that the fragmentation and disunity among Muslim communities had significantly hampered their ability to advocate effectively for their rights and interests, leading to political marginalisation and socio-economic inequalities.

He also drew attention to the responsibilities that come with leadership, encouraging scholars and community leaders to guide the Muslim Ummah with wisdom and empathy.

He urged the audience to rise above doctrinal, ideological, and social differences, noting that the Muslim faith teaches the importance of solidarity.

The Secretary-General also drew attention to Muslims’ responsibilities that come with leadership, encouraging scholars and community leaders to guide the Muslim Ummah with wisdom and empathy.

He stressed the need for open dialogue to address differences constructively, rather than through confrontation or antagonism, warning that continued fragmentation would only weaken the community.

Oloyede also noted the lack of cohesive political representation as one of the key consequences of disunity, noting that fragmented Muslim communities are less capable of advocating for policies that reflect their needs and aspirations.

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He also addressed the challenges posed by internal divisions within the Muslim community, particularly the fragmentation of Islamic scholarship and the decline of traditional centres of learning.

“Disunity has exacted a profound toll on our community, resulting in missed opportunities for development and progress,” he observed.

He noted that the fragmentation of Islamic scholarship had led to a disjointed and inconsistent body of knowledge, disconnected from the rich cultural and religious heritage that once flourished in Yoruba Land.

Oloyede further stressed that the discordant tune has left many young Muslims without clear guidance or a sense of belonging, noting the community’s drift from its cultural and intellectual roots.

“The failure to adopt a unified approach to establishing and supporting Islamic schools has denied many Muslim children access to quality education that integrates both Islamic and modern curricula,” he said, warning that this gap in education was creating formidable barriers to social mobility and perpetuating cycles of poverty.

He called on the Muslim community in Yoruba Land to build bridges across their divides and work together for the collective good.

He urged Muslims to engage in sincere and open discussions to foster a culture of dialogue and understanding.

“We must cultivate an environment where differences are not viewed as threats but as opportunities for deeper engagement and collective growth,” he said.

“We can create a cohesive and resilient community, capable of withstanding external pressures and internal challenges alike,” he said, adding that the only way to achieve this was through solidarity, cooperation, and a commitment to the principles of Islam.

President General of the League of Imams and Alfas, Fadilat Sheik Jamiu Kewulere, called for unity, cooperation, and mutual understanding among all Muslim groups.

He noted that only unity among Muslims would foster development, which is a reflection of the past Muslim Ummah.

Kewulere appealed to Muslims to embrace unity, irrespective of the groups they belong to.