The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has voiced support for the introduction of Sharia law in the South-West, asserting that its roots in the region date back over a century.
Oba Akanbi’s remarks came in response to the planned inauguration of a Sharia Council by an Islamic organization. The event, originally scheduled for January 11, 2025, in Oyo State, was postponed indefinitely following widespread public outcry.
Critics argued that the predominantly Yoruba South-West, known for its religious diversity, differs from the northern region of Nigeria, where Sharia law is more commonly practiced.
Speaking to Sunday PUNCH, Oba Akanbi clarified that Sharia law has long existed in Yoruba land, citing examples such as Sharia-compliant banking and educational institutions in Iwo.
“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,” he said.
The monarch emphasized that Sharia law is an option for Muslims seeking resolution in areas such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance, which he argued are often misunderstood by Western legal systems.
“Many Muslims feel disenfranchised when it comes to the sharing of inheritance and divorce matters. 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 added.
He stressed that Sharia law is strictly for Muslims and does not infringe on the rights of adherents of other faiths. “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,” he explained.
The debate over Sharia law in the Southwest continues to ignite conversations about religious coexistence and constitutional rights in Nigeria.
