Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has thrown his weight behind those calling for the introduction of Shari’ah law in the South-West region of Nigeria.
Oba Akanbi who defended the move revealed that Shari’ah has been practiced in Yoruba land for many years.
He also said Shari’ah is already integrated into various aspects of life, including banking.
The Osun monarch made this known while speaking on Sunday to journalists.
He said, “We have Sharia banks in the southwest, and these banks operate according to Sharia law. Sharia law has been in Iwo for over 100 years, and there is a Sharia college in Iwo. It’s the right of Muslims to choose customary law or the high court.
“Many Muslims feel disenfranchised when it comes to the sharing of inheritance and divorce matters. Western education doesn’t understand the ways of Muslim divorce, marriage, and inheritance. Sharia law is in the constitution of Nigeria, and it’s visible in the North, where there are Nigerians. Anywhere we have Muslims, there is Sharia.”
He argued that this legal framework is not only constitutional but also reflects the rights of Muslims within Nigeria.
“If any other person likes it, they can convert to Islam, and Muslims can also convert to Christianity. Everyone is free. Sharia shouldn’t be a problem for other religions. No government can deny Muslims their inalienable rights,” he explained.
Oba Akanbi pointed out that Sharia law serves the interests of Muslims, particularly in matters of inheritance and marriage, which he believes are often misunderstood by Western legal systems.
He maintained that no government should deny Muslims their rights and that everyone is free to choose their beliefs without interference.
His comments come as an Islamic organisation plans to inaugurate a Sharia council on January 11, 2025, although this event has faced postponement due to public backlash.
But the inauguration has been postponed indefinitely following public outcry.
