The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has voiced support for the adoption of Sharia law in the South-West, emphasizing its long-standing presence in Yoruba tradition.
This statement follows plans by an Islamic organization to inaugurate a Sharia council on January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje Area, Oyo State.
However, the event has been postponed indefinitely after widespread public criticism.
The proposed council sparked debate among Nigerians, with many arguing that the Yoruba-dominated South-West, where Muslims are not the majority, differs culturally from the predominantly Muslim North.
In an interview with Punch, Oba Akanbi asserted that Sharia principles were already embedded in Yoruba communities.
“We have Sharia banks in the South-West operating under Sharia law.
Sharia law has existed in Iwo for over a century, and there’s even a Sharia college in Iwo.
Muslims have the right to choose between customary law or the high court,” he said.
The monarch highlighted the importance of Sharia law for addressing specific issues, such as inheritance and divorce, which he argued are not adequately handled by Western legal systems.
“Sharia law is in Nigeria’s constitution, and it’s practised wherever Muslims reside. It’s a matter of choice for Muslims and doesn’t impose on other religions,” he added.
Oba Akanbi further clarified that Sharia law applies exclusively to Muslims, urging tolerance and respect for religious diversity.
“If others are interested, they can convert to Islam, and Muslims can convert to Christianity.
“Freedom of religion is key, and no government can deny Muslims their rights,” he concluded.
