23rd December 2024
The Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW), an organization representing Yoruba people globally, has expressed strong opposition to the planned inauguration of a Sharia Court in Oyo Town, Oyo State. In a letter addressed to Sheikh AbdulRasheed Hadiyatullah, President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), the Council described the move as “a gross violation of Nigerian laws, Yoruba ancestral rights, and cultural heritage.”
The planned inauguration is scheduled for January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre in Oyo Town. The YCW claims that the establishment of such a court in the historical seat of the Alaafin of Oyo could undermine the cultural and religious diversity of the region.
YCW’s Concerns
In its statement, the Council emphasized, “Oyo Town is a cultural and political epicenter of Yoruba civilization, embodying unity in diversity. The proposed Sharia Court is inappropriate and could be misconstrued as an attempt to impose an alien legal system on the Yoruba people.”
The group further stated, “Historically, the old Oyo Empire resisted Islamic incursions to preserve its autonomy and traditional institutions. The proposed court represents a potential avenue for cultural and religious domination.”
The YCW also raised concerns about the implications of introducing Sharia law in the region. “We are alarmed by the documented consequences of Sharia law in parts of Northern Nigeria, where extremism has led to severe human rights violations, including summary executions and amputations,” the Council said.
Demands and Threatened Actions
The YCW outlined its demands in the letter, calling for:
1. The immediate cancellation of the planned Sharia Court inauguration in Oyo State.
2. Assurance that no similar initiatives will take place in Yoruba land.
3. Respect for the cultural and religious diversity of Yoruba communities.
The Council warned it would take all necessary and lawful measures, including legal action, to prevent the court’s establishment. It also called on national stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ooni of Ife, and the Southwest Governors Forum, to intervene.
Call to Authorities
“We urge the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to act swiftly and decisively to halt this provocative initiative,” the Council stated.
Cultural Legacy
The YCW argued that the proposed Sharia Court threatens the region’s historical legacy. “Yoruba culture and traditions are distinct and must not be subjected to external legal or religious impositions,” it said. “This development risks destabilizing the peace and inciting ethno-religious conflicts.”
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has yet to respond to the concerns raised by the YCW or clarify if the inauguration will proceed as planned.
This development has sparked a nationwide discussion about religious and cultural coexistence, with observers awaiting further statements from stakeholders.
