The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has argued that Sharia law has long been a part of Yoruba culture and governance. His statement comes in the wake of a postponed inauguration of a Sharia council, initially scheduled for January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre in Oyo, Oyo State.
The event, which faced indefinite postponement due to public backlash, drew sharp criticism from individuals who argued that the predominantly Yoruba Southwest is culturally distinct from Nigeria’s northern regions, where Sharia is more prominent.
In a statement to Punch, Oba Akanbi clarified that Sharia law has existed in Yoruba land for over a century. He highlighted examples such as Sharia-compliant banking systems in the region and the presence of a Sharia college in Iwo.
“We have Sharia banks in the South-West, and these banks operate according to Sharia law. Sharia law has been in Iwo for over 100 years, and there is a Sharia college in Iwo. It’s the right of Muslims to choose customary law or the high court,” the monarch explained.
Oba Akanbi emphasized that Sharia law primarily addresses the personal affairs of Muslims, such as inheritance, divorce, and marriage, which he believes are inadequately understood by Western legal systems. He also pointed out that Sharia law is enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution, granting Muslims the right to practice it wherever they reside.
“Many Muslims feel disenfranchised when it comes to the sharing of inheritance and divorce matters. Sharia law is in the constitution of Nigeria, and it’s visible in the North, where there are Nigerians. Anywhere we have Muslims, there is Sharia,” he stated.
The monarch reiterated that Sharia law does not concern non-Muslims and urged respect for religious diversity. “If any other person likes it, they can convert to Islam, and Muslims can also convert to Christianity. Everyone is free. Sharia shouldn’t be a problem for other religions. No government can deny Muslims their inalienable rights,” he concluded.
The controversy underscores the ongoing tension surrounding the coexistence of religious and cultural practices within Nigeria’s pluralistic society.