Sharia Law: Oluwo of Iwo faces backlash for support

-Says it’s a slap in the face of Yoruba tradition

December 29, 2024

By Ayinde Adeleke

The Oluwo of Iwo, Osun State, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has ignited controversy after expressing support for the introduction of Sharia law in the South-West.

Despite the postponement of the Sharia council’s inauguration, initially scheduled for January 11, 2025, Oba Akanbi remains adamant that Sharia law has been a part of Yoruba land for centuries.

“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,” Oba Akanbi stated in an interview with Sunday PUNCH.

He emphasized that Sharia law is a right granted to Muslims, allowing them to choose between customary law and the high court.

Oba Akanbi’s support for Sharia law has drawn criticism from various Nigerians in the South West, who argue that the predominantly Yoruba South-West is distinct from the northern region, where Muslims are in the majority.

However, Oba Akanbi countered that Sharia law is already present in the constitution of Nigeria and is visible in the North.

“Anywhere we have Muslims, there is Sharia,” he explained. Oba Akanbi also stressed that Sharia law only applies to Muslims and does not concern other religions. “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.”

The controversy surrounding Sharia law in the South-West has raised more heated debates, with some arguing that its introduction would undermine the region’s secular values.

Others, like Oba Akanbi, believe that Sharia law is a fundamental right for Muslims and should be respected. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the issue of Sharia law in the South-West is far from resolved.