The Oluwo of Iwo, Osun State, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has voiced his support for the proposal to implement Sharia law in the South-West, stating that its practice has long been part of Yoruba tradition.
His remarks followed plans by an Islamic organization to inaugurate a Sharia council on January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre on Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje Area, Oyo, Oyo State.
However, the event has been postponed indefinitely due to widespread public opposition. Critics argued that the predominantly Yoruba South-West differs significantly from the northern region, where Muslims form the majority.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, Oba Akanbi stressed that elements of Sharia law already exist in Yoruba culture.
He said, “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.
“Many Muslims feel disenfranchised when it comes to the sharing of inheritance and divorce matters. Western education doesn’t understand the ways of Muslim divorce, marriage, and inheritance. 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.
Oba Akanbi stressed that Sharia law was only for Muslims and did not concern others.
“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 explained.
