An Islamic group under the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Oyo State chapter has disclosed why it wants to establish an Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel in Oyo town and its environs.
The move has sparked heated debate among Nigerians, with netizens expressing their disapproval on social media.
Speaking on the postponement of the event, the group said it was due to inadvertent reference to the programme as the inauguration of a Shari’a court in the state rather than what it refers to as the “Independent Shari’a Arbitration Panel.”
Speaking in a press statement signed by the Chairman of the Committee, Dr Bello Adisa on Wednesday, it stated that the arbitration panel already exists in several southwest states and is intended to resolve family disputes among willing Muslims.
“This is to inform the general public, on behalf of the entire Muslim community of Oyo town, that the inauguration ceremony of the Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel in Oyo town, initially scheduled for 11th January 2025 at Oyo Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Agbogangan, Oyo, has been postponed. A new date will be announced later.
“The postponement follows an inadvertent reference to the event as the inauguration of a Shari’a court in Oyo town and its environs instead of the Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel.
“This arbitration panel, which already exists in many parts of the South-West, is meant only to settle family disputes among willing Muslims, without enforcement powers.
“It is not a court. We deeply regret any inconvenience caused by this misrepresentation and the subsequent postponement,” the statement reads.
On Tuesday, a flier inviting guests from across the country to the Sharia court’s inauguration ceremony on 11th January 2025 at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oyo went viral.
The event was met with criticisms from Nigerians and netizens pointed out that the southwest, which is predominantly Yoruba, is different from areas in the north where Muslims are more in number.
Reacting to the development, Governor Seyi Makinde reminded Oyo residents of his pledge to uphold the laws and Constitution of the country.
“Regarding the establishment of a Sharia court in Oyo town, people may try, but for us, I swore to uphold our laws and the Constitution of Nigeria.
“If their actions are within the law, fine; if not, they should expect that I will insist the law must be followed,” he said.