Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has by proxy said the state government won’t accommodate anything illegal.
The statement made by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju is in respect of the suspended plan to inaugurate a Sharia court in Oyo town by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo branch).
“Oyo State will not permit anything illegal. The focus isn’t about wanting Sharia or not but ensuring that any structure aligns with the legal system we operate,” a statement credited to Olanrewaju read.
The report of the planned inauguration of the Islamic court earlier scheduled for January 11, 2025 sparked outrage, with Oyo State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, saying: “This should not happen in Oyo State, where Christians and Muslims coexist in nearly every family. There’s no law to support this, and the government is not aware. We won’t allow anything that jeopardizes the peaceful coexistence we enjoy.”
The widespread opposition led to the suspension of the plan by the organisers, which they announced via a statement signed by the Khadimul Muslimeen of Oyo Kingdom, Imam Daud Igi Ogun.
It reads in part: “The inauguration ceremony of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo branch) has been suspended until further notice. Islam portrays peace.”
