Buhari’s ex-minister Adebayo criticizes opposition to Sharia panels in South-West
Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has weighed in on the ongoing debate over the establishment of Sharia panels in the South-West, stating that opposition to them is driven by ignorance.
Controversy has surrounded the proposal to establish Sharia arbitration panels in Oyo State and other South-West states. In Ekiti, where a panel was set up, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, summoned the Chief Imam of Ado Ekiti, Shaykh Jamiu Kewulere, and ordered its disbandment.
Some Yoruba activists have opposed the panels, citing concerns about the secularity of the Yoruba people. They argue that Sharia-compliant states in northern Nigeria have experienced conflicts, instability, and religious crises. However, Muslim leaders maintain that the proposed panels are solely for arbitration in civil matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance among Muslims.
Speaking on the matter during a television interview, Shittu dismissed the opposition as a result of ignorance about Nigeria’s constitution.
He emphasized that Sharia panels have existed in some states for over a decade, handling civil disputes among Muslims without interfering in secular legal matters.
“In Yorubaland, whether governors or the so-called Yoruba activists, their problem is ignorance of the Nigerian constitution,” Shittu said.
“Sharia is about fundamental human rights concerning religion. The constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.”
He questioned the logic of requiring two Muslims married under Sharia law to seek divorce in a customary court presided over by non-Muslims. According to him, such arbitration panels have existed in Lagos and Oyo States for over ten years without causing any religious conflicts.
“These constitutional religious rights are inherent in every individual,” he added.
“Muslims in these states have the right to determine how they manage their affairs under the law. I expect the Muslim community to challenge any government or group attempting to disrupt their peace in court.”
