Afenifere, CAN, and Others Oppose Sharia Implementation in South-West 

Afenifere, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and other groups strongly reject the push for Sharia law in Nigeria’s South-West, citing concerns over unity and secularism.

On Monday, Christian and Muslim leaders were in disagreement over the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs’ plan to inaugurate a shari’a arbitration panel across the South-Western states of Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, and Lagos.

This follows the statement from supporters of the Islamic code, asserting their firm decision to establish a panel for adjudicating and resolving issues within the South-West Muslim Ummah.

Dr. Hammed Bakare, President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ekiti State, and Dr. Rafiu Bello, Chairman of the Shari’a Committee of Oyoland, stated in separate interviews on Monday that the sharia panel would be inaugurated despite facing opposition.

The sharia council had set up an arbitration panel in Oyo town to oversee and resolve issues related to the Muslim community.

Nevertheless, the government and other leaders opposed the development.

Subsequently, the scheduled panel inauguration at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre in Mobolaje Area, Oyo on January 11 was postponed indefinitely.

The panel conducted its inaugural session at the Ekiti Central Mosque in Ado Ekiti last week, with three Khadis serving on the panel.

The Khadis are comprised of Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, Imam Abdulraheem Junaid-Bamigbola, and Dr. Ibrahim Aminullahi-Ogunrinde.

Seemingly uneasy with the concept, Dayo Apata (SAN), the state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, stated that the current legal framework in the state does not acknowledge a shari’a court or arbitration panel.

He argued that Ekiti State already has a legal framework, comprising the Customary Court, Customary Court of Appeal, and High Court, which effectively addresses matters related to Islamic, Christian, and traditional marriages and inheritance without any conflict or unrest.

In agreement with the state government’s position, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, commanded the disbandment of the Sharia panel “to promote peaceful coexistence and uphold law and order in the community.”

During a Saturday meeting in Ado Ekiti, Adejugbe discussed the shari’a panel issue with local chiefs and community members. The gathering also included Sheik Jamiu Kewulere, the Chief Imam and President of the League of Imams and Alfas for Southwest Nigeria as well as Edo and Delta states, along with other Muslim leaders from Ado Ekiti.

Bakare, the SCN President in Ekiti State, stated that the panel established by Muslims in Ekiti State “will neither be disbanded nor dissolved as suggested by some.”

Bakare explained that arbitration is not a court but rather an aspect of Islamic religious practice aimed at promoting peace. He also mentioned that the constitution guarantees the right to worship.

The Islamic cleric questioned, “Why should the panel be disbanded? For what reason? Can you ask someone to dissolve their marriage or dictate how they worship God according to their preference? It is not lawful for anyone to issue such a command.”

He explained, “The panel is a form of arbitration we set up specifically for Muslims. Participation isn’t mandatory; it’s only intended for those who choose to follow the teachings of Allah as outlined in the Quran.”

“Our method of worship involves adhering to the guidance of Almighty God. That panel is designed for our use, not as a court or similar entity. It serves as an arbitration panel that any organization can set up internally.”

Bakare noted that similar panels have been established in certain Southwest states, such as Lagos and Oyo. He confirmed, “This is not a novel concept. There are instances within churches where they resolve disputes internally without turning to formal courts.”

“Our aim is to resolve internal matters, and the Nigerian constitution ensures our right to worship. In Islam, maintaining peace within one’s community, organization, or society is an integral part of worship.”

There is no reason for anyone to fear the arbitration panel; participation is entirely voluntary. It is intended solely for Muslims who choose to engage with it willingly. If you, as a Muslim, decide not to participate, there will be absolutely no pressure or coercion applied on you to do so.

“We are simply upholding the Nigerian constitution, which guarantees freedom of worship and practice.”

He criticized the panel’s detractors, stating, “The accusations against the panel are unfounded and merely aim to undermine it. Whenever they hear anything related to Muslims or shari’a, they’re quick to dismiss it without considering any potential benefits or relevance.”

We strongly believe that nothing can prevent us from practicing our faith as Muslims. This is our perspective. We harbor no ill will towards anyone and are not in conflict with others; we are simply peace-loving Muslims aiming to foster harmony because where there is peace, it ultimately contributes to a peaceful society.

The Islamic leader contended that the arbitration panel adhered to all legal regulations.

In a similar manner, Bello, the Chairman of Oyoland’s Shari’a Committee, emphasized that the panel’s inauguration in Oyo State would take place as scheduled.

Bello stated that a new date for the panel’s inauguration would be announced soon.

He mentioned that similar panels were already established in other areas of Oyo State, such as Saki, Kishi, and Ogbomoso. He added that the controversy regarding the panel in Oyo town arose due to its initial mislabeling as a shari’a court.

A new date for the inauguration has yet to be announced, but the inauguration of the shari’a panel in Oyo Town will proceed as planned.

“It was merely postponed, and we will announce the specific date for it in due course, Insha Allah. It is our right to establish this panel, and there is no reversing that decision. He stated confidently that it poses no threat or harm to society.”

Bello also addressed the worries expressed by certain traditional rulers, highlighting that the constitution allows for these panels.

In the South-West region, Bello mentioned that previously panels were established in Lagos, parts of Oyo, and Ekiti. Meanwhile, the zonal headquarters for the Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria was located in Osogbo, the capital city of Osun State.

“We are not worried about the statements made by some traditional rulers. The Constitution permits it, and we have the backing of Nigeria’s Supreme Council for Shari’a,” he added.

Additionally, Bello stated that the panel was established for willing Muslims to address issues such as inheritance disputes, marital conflicts, and disagreements among friends.

He believes that Muslim scholars will serve as arbitrators, offering guidance based on the Quran but without enforcing penalties like formal courts do.

This panel is intended exclusively for willing Muslims. Claims that it is part of a Fulani or Hausa agenda are misguided. It aims to address disputes between couples, friends, and others according to Islamic principles.