The Oyo State chapter of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has outlined its rationale for establishing an Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel in Oyo town and its neighboring areas, emphasizing that the panel is meant solely for resolving family disputes among willing Muslims.
In a press statement signed by Dr. Bello Adisa, Chairman of the Committee, and made available on Wednesday, the group addressed the postponement of the event originally scheduled for January 11, 2025.
According to Dr. Adisa, the delay arose from a miscommunication that mistakenly referred to the panel’s inauguration as the establishment of a Sharia court.
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“This arbitration panel, which already exists in many parts of the South-West, is meant only to settle family disputes among willing Muslims, without enforcement powers. It is not a court,” the statement clarified.
Dr. Adisa expressed regret over the misunderstanding and assured that a new date for the inauguration would be announced soon.
The postponement followed significant backlash after a flier circulated online describing the event as the inauguration of a Sharia court.
The invitation listed prominent figures such as the Bashorun of Oyo Land, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Olayinka I, and the Mufairu of Oyo Land, Alhaji Abdullateef Eleyele, as key dignitaries.
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However, the flyer’s language sparked controversy, particularly among netizens, who questioned the appropriateness of introducing Sharia-based systems in the South-West, a predominantly Yoruba region with a diverse religious makeup.
In response to the uproar, the group issued an additional statement through Imam Daud Igi Ogun, Khadimul Muslimeen of Oyo Kingdom, announcing the event’s indefinite postponement. “Islam portrays peace,” the statement read, reiterating the group’s commitment to maintaining harmony within the community.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde weighed in on the matter, affirming his commitment to upholding the Constitution and state laws.
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“Regarding the establishment of a Sharia court in Oyo town, people may try, but for us, I swore to uphold our laws and the Constitution of Nigeria. If their actions are within the law, fine; if not, they should expect that I will insist the law must be followed,” the governor stated.
The Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel aims to serve as a voluntary dispute resolution mechanism for family matters among Muslims.
As the group prepares to announce a new inauguration date, it seeks to clarify its objectives and dispel any misconceptions about its role.