We’ll always stand by Constitution on Sharia law, says Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State clarified the state’s position on the plan to apply Sharia Law in some South-West states, including Oyo, stating that his administration will not oppose anything aligned with the Constitution.

The clarification came in response to a media report suggesting that the Oyo State Government would go to court to challenge the plan.

Makinde declared that members of the public are free to approach the Sharia Panel if they wish to do so.

The governor, who noted that the panel could serve as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, emphasized that the courts remain empowered by the Constitution to settle all disputes and that his administration will always adhere to constitutional dictates.

Makinde made these remarks during the 2025 Iftar Programme organised by the Oyo State Government—the sixth since he assumed office in 2019—held at the frontage of the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

He stressed that his administration is committed to ensuring religious harmony and unity in the state and would not allow anyone to incite disaffection.

Makinde added that while some individuals may attempt to use religious discord to gain political advantage, his government remains focused on the sustainable development of the state for the benefit of its residents and future generations.

He said: “I read in the newspaper that I would go to court for an interpretation on the Sharia Panel, which is ongoing in Oyo. That is not my position.

“My position is that we will support anything that is in our Constitution. I made a statement when Muslims in South-Western Nigeria (MUSWEN) came to my office, that we should not encourage discord among ourselves, no matter how little.

“The interpretation on my side is that, even in our families, not every issue goes to court. When people have disagreements, the elders in the family try to settle the dispute.

“So, on this particular Sharia Panel, whoever wants to patronise it and feels it is an alternative dispute mechanism, it is okay. It will help the government and reduce the number of cases going to our judges.

“We will encourage alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and the only thing I can say is that if there is a need for enforcement or more clarity, the court, as recognized by the Constitution, is always available.

“We have all lived together peacefully, and as we move towards the next election, there will be those who only think about their political ambitions. But in this administration, we are thinking about the next generation.

“This is why, three years into this government, we decided to rehabilitate our roads. In the past, previous administrations would patch the roads, but they would get damaged again during the rainy season.

“We observed that most of these roads are 50 to 60 years old. So, we decided to scrape and reconstruct them to last for the next 30 years without requiring further repairs.

“As we approach the next election, let us remain vigilant. People will come with all sorts of narratives, but I trust that your prayers will see us through. Oyo State will never return to the era of ‘do or die’ politics.”

Makinde expressed gratitude to the Islamic faithful in the state for their prayers, support, and cooperation with his administration, attributing the state’s progress to these efforts.

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He also thanked the legislators, the judiciary, and the people of Oyo State for their cooperation and commended the service chiefs for maintaining peace and security.

The governor urged everyone to reject actions that could disrupt the state’s peaceful atmosphere.

Delivering the Iftar lecture, the Chief Imam of the Oyo State Government House Mosque, Sheik Adebayo Bello Rufai, commended Governor Makinde for his dedication, steadfastness, and good deeds, stating that Allah would reward him for providing for the people, especially during Ramadan.

In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Bayo Oyero, thanked Governor Makinde for organising the 6th edition of the Iftar and for his continuous support for the Muslim Ummah in the state.

He prayed for the governor’s successful tenure and called for more prayers for the state and the nation.

In their goodwill messages, the Secretary of the Oyo State Muslim Community, Alhaji Abidemi Siyanbade, and Professor Rasheed Aderinoye praised the governor for allocating land for the reconstruction of the late Rashidi Adesokan Mosque, which was affected by the Premier Hotel reconstruction project.

They also commended Makinde’s recent recruitment of primary and secondary school teachers, describing him as a kind-hearted and visionary leader who embraces all religions.

In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, praised Governor Makinde’s exemplary leadership and expressed gratitude to the other arms of government for their support and cooperation.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Governor and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Deputy Governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Chief Mrs. Mutiat Ladoja (represented by Alhaja Kobiowu); and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin (represented by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi).

Others in attendance included Hon. Abass Adigun, the member representing Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Federal Constituency; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima (represented by Justice R.B. Akintola); President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Tajudeen Abdulganiyu; and the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni.

Also present were Dr. Saka Balogun, Chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council; Sheik Hashim Atere, Chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing); Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke, Oyo State PDP Secretary; Alhaja Wulemotu Ibitoye, Oyo State PDP Women Leader; Prof. K.K. Oloso; Baba Isale Musulumi, Oloye Nureni Akanbi; Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole, President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes; Muslim clerics; Royal Fathers; Commissioners; permanent Secretaries, and other distinguished guests.