The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called for the establishment of Sharia Courts in the South West to allow Muslims to settle disputes in accordance with their religious beliefs.
This demand follows the Ekiti State Government’s recent ban on Sharia Courts, with Governor Biodun Oyebanji stating that existing courts are sufficient to address all matters, regardless of religion.
NSCIA’s Position
In a statement released on Wednesday, the NSCIA described the ban as a violation of Muslims’ constitutional rights and urged South West governors to respect Yoruba Muslims’ religious freedoms.
The Council emphasized that:
- Sharia Courts are constitutional, as outlined in Section 275 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
- These courts are voluntary platforms meant for resolving civil and marital disputes among consenting Muslims.
- The refusal to establish Sharia Courts, alongside cases like the restriction on wearing hijabs despite a Supreme Court ruling, undermines the rights of Muslims in the region.
The NSCIA also criticized the indefinite postponement of a Sharia arbitration panel inauguration in Oyo State, labeling it as part of a pattern of religious intolerance in the South West.
Key Issues Raised by NSCIA
- Denial of Hijab rights for female students despite Supreme Court approval.
- The absence of Sharia Courts of Appeal in South West states despite constitutional provisions.
- Political and traditional resistance to Sharia Court initiatives.
The Council warned against continued opposition to Sharia institutions, reiterating the need for tolerance and respect for Muslims’ constitutional and religious rights.
