Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has weighed in on the ongoing debate over the establishment of Sharia panels in the South-West, describing the opposition as a product of ignorance.
Controversy has erupted over the proposed Sharia arbitration panels in Oyo State and other South-Western states, with critics arguing that such panels contradict the region’s secular traditions.
In Ekiti State, where a panel was recently established, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, intervened by summoning the Chief Imam of Ado Ekiti, Shaykh Jamiu Kewulere, and ordering its disbandment. Some Yoruba activists have also rejected the initiative, pointing to the insecurity and instability in Sharia-implementing states in the North.
However, Muslim leaders insist that these panels only handle civil matters, such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance, exclusively for Muslims.
Speaking in a television interview, Shittu dismissed the opposition, stating that the Sharia panels have existed in some South-West states for over a decade without any controversy.
“In Yorubaland, whether it is governors or so-called Yoruba activists, their problem is ignorance of the Nigerian Constitution,” he said.
He explained that the constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, allowing Muslims to resolve disputes in line with Islamic law.
“What sense does it make for two Muslims who got married under Sharia law in a mosque to be forced to divorce in a Customary Court—possibly presided over by Christians or animists—who may not even understand Islamic law?”
Shittu pointed out that states like Oyo and Lagos have had Sharia panels for over 10 years without any disruption to non-Muslims.
“These panels do not force Christians or non-Muslims into Sharia proceedings. What crisis have they caused?” he asked.
He further argued that any attempt to disband Sharia panels in the South-West should be challenged legally, stating that Muslims have the constitutional right to practice their faith without interference.
“I expect the Muslim community in these states to take legal action against any government or individual attempting to infringe on their rights,” he added.