Yoruba muslim scholars fault federal appointments, demand establishment of Sharia courts
The Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars in Nigeria, in affiliation with the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, has voiced its grievances over perceived marginalization of Yoruba Muslims in political appointments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The scholars made their concerns known during a World Press Conference held at the Arisekola Mosque in Ibadan.
The scholars emphasized that the group played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of Tinubu’s presidential bid, believing that his Muslim background would address longstanding grievances regarding exclusion and underrepresentation of Southern Muslims in public affairs. Despite their support, they lament that Muslim representation from the Southwest remains disproportionately low.
During the conference, the group outlined a list of political appointments from the Southwest, asserting that more than 80 percent of these positions have gone to Christians.
The scholars expressed their discontent with what they described as “political conspiracy” against Yoruba Muslims, dating back to Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
The group detailed the distribution of ministerial and key appointments from the Southwest:
Ministers (11 total):
Seven Christians: Hon. Dele Alake, Hon. Bosun Tijani, Hon. Wale Edun, Hon. Lola Ade John, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Hon. Jumoke Oduwole, and Hon. Ayodele Olawande.
Four Muslims: Hon. Ishak Salako Adekunle, Hon. Waheed Adelabu, Hon. Isiaka Oyetola, and Hon. Tunji Alausa Morufu.
Key security positions and top appointments were also highlighted:
Christian appointees include Yemi Cardoso (CBN Governor), Zaccheus Adedeji (FIRS Chairman), and Olanipekun Olukayode (EFCC Chairman).
In contrast, Femi Gbajabiamila was identified as one of the few high-ranking Muslim officials.
The scholars contended that even with the opposition to the Muslim-Muslim ticket during the elections, Southern Christians have now benefitted the most from political appointments, further alienating the Muslim community.
The scholars traced historical events to highlight the exclusion of Muslims from political power. They referred to Chief MKO Abiola’s annulled 1993 election as an example of how Southern Muslims were blocked from leadership. In contrast, Christian politicians, including Chief Ernest Shonekan and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, benefitted from the political landscape.
They also quoted Professor Is-haq Oloyede, who warned during Tinubu’s inauguration lecture: “When Muslims are in power, we are not in power. And when we are not in power, we are completely not in power.” The scholars argued that these words are now reflected in Tinubu’s government.
A significant portion of the press statement focused on the demand for the establishment of Sharia Courts of Appeal in all six Yoruba states. The group outlined the historical context of this demand:
As far back as 1894, Lagos Muslims petitioned for the implementation of Sharia law. Similar petitions were made in 1923, 1948, and 1999 without success.
Prior to independence, informal Sharia courts existed in cities like Iwo, Ede, Ibadan, Lagos, and Auchi.
Despite repeated demands, the southwestern states have failed to establish formal Sharia Courts of Appeal, compelling Muslim communities to set up independent Sharia panels.
The scholars argued that these panels serve as a legitimate form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for Muslims seeking adjudication under Islamic law.
They emphasized that Sharia Courts would not infringe on the rights of non-Muslims and cited examples of similar courts operating in other African countries and even among Egypt’s Coptic Christians.
The group also referred to the Nigerian Constitution’s provisions for Sharia Courts, noting that Section 275 of the 1999 Constitution allows for the establishment of Sharia Courts of Appeal for states with significant Muslim populations.
The scholars made it clear that their demands are not about religious supremacy but about equal representation and constitutional rights. They stressed that the failure to address their concerns will deepen distrust and alienation among Yoruba Muslims, who have long been tolerant of other religious communities.
They concluded by calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governors of the six Yoruba states to address the perceived injustices. Failure to establish Sharia Courts of Appeal and ensure fair representation, they warned, would further strain religious relations in the region.
The conference ended with a pledge from the scholars to continue advocating for justice, fairness, and equality in Nigeria’s political and judicial systems.
