Yoruba Monarch Opposes Sharia Law in Southwest, Writes Sultan of Sokoto
Oba Omotooyosi Adebayo Akinleye, the Olukosi of Ilukosi-Ijesa in Osun State, has expressed his opposition to the implementation of Sharia law in the Southwest, arguing that it conflicts with the secular principles upheld by the region.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Thursday, Oba Akinleye explained that while the Yoruba people historically resolved matters using traditional systems like the Osugbo/Ogboni courts, they have since embraced a legal framework aligned with Nigeria’s secular constitution.
“Your Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, I write to offer some reflections on the judicial evolution in Yorubaland, especially the shift from traditional judicial practices to a broader, secular legal system,” the Oba began. He noted that the Osugbo/Ogboni system, once central to governance and justice in the region, had significant influence over both legal and social matters.
However, Oba Akinleye emphasized that the transition away from such systems was in line with the country’s movement towards secularism, promoting a legal framework based on universal principles of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. He explained that this shift has allowed for a more inclusive legal system, which respects diverse beliefs and ensures individuals’ rights are upheld.
The monarch further addressed the challenge of implementing Sharia law in the Southwest, where a significant portion of the population practices Christianity or indigenous religions. He pointed out that such an introduction could undermine the region’s secular foundation, which guarantees freedom of religion as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.
“Sharia law in the Southwest presents considerable challenges due to our secular framework,” Oba Akinleye stated. “Nigeria is constitutionally a secular state, where no religion is to be adopted as the state religion. The introduction of Sharia could potentially create tensions, leading to legal ambiguity and social conflict between different religious communities.”
He stressed that the secular approach in the Southwest has fostered unity, peace, and development by ensuring a common legal framework for all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs. He called for the preservation of this secular stance, ensuring that the region remains a place where all individuals can coexist harmoniously under a universal legal system.
“The secular framework has proven beneficial in promoting peace and unity, providing a common legal platform where everyone’s rights are protected,” he concluded. “It is vital to maintain this secular stance for the continued well-being of the Southwest and the nation at large.”
