The Chief Imam of Yorubaland, Sheik Abdulraheem Aduanigba, has strongly opposed the introduction of Sharia law in the South West zone of Nigeria, warning that it could lead to conflict and war.
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In a viral video, Sheik Aduanigba highlighted the diverse demographic of the region, which includes 27 million Christians, 23 million Muslims, and 10 million traditional worshippers, arguing that the implementation of Sharia would be impractical and divisive.
Sheik Aduanigba pointed out that the region’s 972 traditional rulers, who uphold existing systems of law and culture, would be directly contradicted by the introduction of Sharia. He noted that such a move would disrupt the harmonious balance of religious and cultural practices in the area, which include major celebrations such as Christmas, Easter, Ramadan, and Ileya, as well as traditional masquerade festivals.
One of the Chief Imam’s key concerns was Sharia’s restrictions on women’s dress and behavior, as well as its ban on alcoholic beverages, which he argued would be impossible to enforce in the culturally diverse region. Additionally, he expressed fear that Sharia law would be used to settle marital and inheritance disputes, creating further social unrest.
Sheik Aduanigba emphasized that introducing Sharia in Yorubaland would be incompatible with the region’s values and traditions, suggesting that it would serve as an “invitation to war.”
His stance stands in contrast to that of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who has voiced support for Sharia in the South West. Sultan Abubakar lent his support to the creation of the Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel in Ekiti and Oyo states. He voiced concerns about growing intolerance towards Muslims, particularly the denial of their constitutional right to a Sharia Court of Appeal in the region.
The Sultan emphasized that the proposed arbitration panel would provide a voluntary platform for resolving civil and marital disputes among consenting Muslims, serving as an alternative to the formal legal system.
