National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
Oluwo of Iwo Defends Sharia Law Implementation in Yoruba Land
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has defended the implementation of Sharia law in Yoruba land, stating that it is a necessary framework for Muslims to resolve issues related to inheritance, marriage, and divorce.
The monarch’s comments come amid controversy over plans to establish a Sharia court in Oyo State, which has sparked heated debate among residents and stakeholders. While some Muslims have welcomed the development, others, including Christians and traditionalists, have expressed fears that the introduction of Sharia law could lead to the erosion of their rights and freedoms.
Oba Akanbi, however, has argued that Sharia law has been present in Yoruba land for over a century and has coexisted peacefully with traditional and Christian practices. He pointed to the existence of Sharia-compliant banking systems and Islamic institutions in the region as evidence of the law’s integration into Yoruba society.
The monarch emphasized that the implementation of Sharia law would not interfere with the practices of other religions and that Muslims have the right to choose between customary law or the high court. He also noted that the Nigerian constitution guarantees religious freedom and that the establishment of a Sharia court would not undermine the authority of the constitution.
Oba Akanbi’s defense of Sharia law implementation has been seen as a significant development in the controversy, given his position as a respected traditional ruler in Yoruba land. His comments are likely to influence the debate and may help to alleviate the concerns of those who oppose the proposal.
The controversy, however, is far from over, and the implementation of Sharia law in Yoruba land remains a highly contentious issue. As the debate rages on, it is clear that the Oluwo of Iwo’s defense of Sharia law has added a new dimension to the discussion and has highlighted the complex and sensitive nature of religious and cultural issues in Nigeria.
