By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has stated that the state government plans to challenge in court the legality of the recently established Sharia panel in the state.
Makinde, through his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said this on Monday in response to inquiries from The Punch regarding the commencement of the Sharia panel’s sittings in Oyo town.
“The governor was so clear about this matter right from the outset, that if it is a constitutional matter, we have to refer to the constitution. Does the Constitution allow that? That is what will determine the actions that will be taken by the state because we cannot do anything other than the Constitution,” Olanrewaju said.
He continued, “So, does the Constitution allow the establishment of a Sharia panel or Sharia court? If they say it does, it will be tested in court. I don’t think it does. The Constitution does not allow anyone to establish a court. You can’t just set up a court in a state.”
The Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo Land, Dr. Rafiu Bello, confirmed to The Punch on Monday that the Sharia panel had been established and had already commenced sittings in Oyo town.
Bello explained, “The Sharia panel in Oyo has now been established and it sits at Central Mosque, Akesan, Oyo. Sittings are held on Thursday from 10 am to 1 pm.”
He further stated, “Those knowledgeable in Sharia preside over the panel, and people are already approaching the panel regarding different issues. Nigerian law allows us to establish Sharia. The law allows us to establish a Sharia panel. Observers are welcome to the panel’s sittings.”
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Oyo chapter, had in January suspended the planned inauguration of the panel in Oyo town, following widespread public outcry.
Reacting to the issue then, Makinde had said his administration would be guided by the Constitition on the issue.
Reaffirming the stance in the interview with The Punch on Monday, the CPS said, “Even if it is a panel, a panel must have the backing of a state.”
The Federal Government can set up a panel; the state government can set up a panel. Individuals and groups cannot set up a panel. A panel that will determine the fate of people, a panel that will sit in judgment over people, must have the backing of the state. So, if anybody does that, it will be illegal.”
Olanrewaju added, “And of course, in Oyo State, we are known for following the rule of law. We obey the rule of law. If anybody does that and it gets to our notice, it will be tested in court, and the court will determine which way, one way or the other, whether it is legal or not. But for us in Oyo State, we are being guided by the constitution and its provisions.”
Opposition to the establishment of Sharia panels has been widespread, particularly from Christian groups, who have raised concerns over what they perceive as an attempt to Islamize the South-West region.
Despite this opposition, proponents have insisted that the decision to set up the panel is non-negotiable and necessary for adjudicating disputes among the South-West Muslim Ummah.
Bello noted that Sharia panels already exist in other parts of Oyo State, including Ogbomoso, Kisi, Saki, and Ibadan.
He also indicated that a new date for the inauguration of the panel in Oyo town would be announced.
On Monday, Bello confirmed that the Oyo Sharia panel, which has begun sittings at the Central Mosque, Akesan, is already hearing cases related to marital disharmony, inheritance, breach of agreements, land disputes, and other matters.
Bello clarified that the panel is open to both Muslims and non-Muslims, though it is specifically designed for Muslims seeking to resolve issues according to Sharia law.
He emphasised, “Sharia is beneficial to Muslims, even non-Muslims. It’s also voluntary for Muslims. Sharia is a law of Allah relevant to all humans. It is to guide conduct.”
During the panel’s inaugural sittings, Bello explained, “When people approach us with unresolved cases, we offer them advice using God’s words and Islamic teachings. We tell them to suppress their thoughts for the fear of God. By this, we settle many cases. Sharia is concerned about marital harmony. We admonish couples, but it’s up to them to accept the recommendation or not. We should be allowed to practice our religion freely.”
When contacted, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Oyo State, Joshua Akinyemiju, expressed that he was not aware of the panel’s establishment or any sittings in Oyo town.
Akinyemiju stated, “I’m not aware of that. I’m not aware of the establishment of Sharia in Oyo town. I knew they wanted to do that but when there was an outcry against it, they postponed it indefinitely. So, I’m not aware that they’ve reconvened.”
He added, “Well, we will find out. Let me find out, because I never heard anything about that. They didn’t publicize it. Maybe they did it secretly. So, I can’t confirm it now.”