Yoruba don’t need Sharia, Oba tells Sultan of Sokoto
By Samuel Ogunsona
Yoruba Oba, Olukosi ti Ilukosi-Ijesha, HRM Oba OmoToyosi Adebayo M. Akinleye has written to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar urging him to stop promoting Sharia in the South West.
He said Sharia law or court will not work in Yoruba land.
Oba Adebayo took to his X page to respond to Sultan of Sokoto who is leading the implementation of Sharia court in South West.
“I respectfully write to share insights on the judicial evolution in Yorubaland, particularly regarding the transition from the traditional Osugbo/Ogboni judicial system to the adoption of a more universal law of freedom,” he wrote.
According to the Oba, the introduction of Sharia law in the Southwest would undermine Nigeria’s secular framework, leading to tension and conflict between religious groups and within the broader societal fabric.
He said “Historically, the Osugbo/Ogboni system was integral to governance and justice in Yorubaland, serving as a high court with significant influence over both legal and social matters.
However, in alignment with the broader movement towards secularism and a more inclusive legal framework, the Yoruba communities have largely transitioned away from these traditional structures.
He said “This shift reflects a broader embrace of universal principles that advocate for freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, which are foundational to the secular state as outlined in Nigeria’s constitution. This change has allowed for a legal system that is more reflective of diverse societal needs and less tied to specific cultural or religious practices, thereby fostering an environment where every individual can exercise their rights freely.” He mentioned.
He noted that Sharia law may not resonate with the significant Christian and traditionalist populations in the region, potentially causing legal ambiguity and social discord.
“Regarding Sharia Law in the Southwest, its implementation poses challenges due to our secular framework. Nigeria is constitutionally a secular state where no religion is to be adopted as the state religion, ensuring that every person has the right to freedom of religion without interference.” He said
The Oba emphasized that Nigeria is a secular state where every person has the right to freedom of religion without interference.
“The introduction of Sharia in the Southwest could potentially undermine this secularity, leading to tensions and conflicts not only between religious groups but also within the broader societal fabric. For instance, Sharia’s application might not resonate with the significant Christian and traditionalist populations, potentially causing legal ambiguity and social discord.
He stressed that the secular approach has been beneficial in promoting peace, unity, and development in the region.
The Oba also highlighted the historical context of the judicial system in Yorubaland, which has evolved from the traditional Osugbo/Ogboni system to a more inclusive and universal framework.
He noted that this shift reflects the broader movement towards secularism and the adoption of universal principles that advocate for freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
The Oba expressed concerns that the introduction of Sharia law could lead to a lack of clarity and consistency in the application of the law, potentially causing confusion and conflict among citizens. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified and inclusive legal system that protects the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
The Oba urged the Sultan and other stakeholders to instead work towards maintaining a secular and inclusive judicial system that promotes peace, unity, and development in the region.
“It is crucial to maintain this secular stance to continue ensuring that the Southwest remains a region where every citizen’s rights are protected under a universal legal system, rather than one bound by specific religious doctrines.
“I trust this perspective underscores the importance of maintaining a secular judicial system for the benefit of all in our diverse nation.” He mentioned.
