Yoruba Youths, Christians Reject Proposed Sharia Court in Southwest Amid Backlash

December 25, 2024

2 minutes read

Sharia Law

The proposed establishment of a Sharia court in Oyo State has sparked intense controversy, with Yoruba youth groups and Christian organizations strongly opposing the move, citing concerns about regional harmony and constitutional legality.

The controversy began when an Islamic group announced plans to inaugurate a Sharia court in Oyo, leading to widespread protests across the Southwest. Critics argue that introducing Sharia law into the predominantly secular region could disrupt the peaceful coexistence of diverse religious and cultural groups.

A prominent Yoruba youth group issued a statement condemning the proposal, stating, The Southwest is a region built on the principles of unity, diversity, and inclusivity. The introduction of Sharia law contradicts these ideals and threatens the delicate balance we’ve maintained.

Christian organizations also expressed disapproval. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) described the move as unconstitutional, emphasizing that Nigeria’s secular constitution guarantees freedom of religion but does not endorse the imposition of religious laws on unwilling communities.

Amid the backlash, the Islamic group behind the initiative announced a postponement of the Sharia court’s launch. A spokesperson explained, We understand the concerns raised and have decided to engage in dialogue with stakeholders to address misunderstandings and foster mutual respect.

The proposal has drawn mixed reactions from residents. While some support the initiative as a way to address disputes among willing participants in the Muslim community, others fear it could set a precedent for religious laws overriding civil statutes in the region.

Prominent voices, including political analysts and legal experts, have warned against actions that could deepen religious and ethnic divides. An analyst remarked, Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity. Any move perceived as favoring one religion over others in a multi-ethnic society like ours is bound to be contentious.

The debate highlights broader tensions about balancing religious practices with constitutional principles in a diverse society. While the Islamic group has called for understanding and peaceful discussions, the uproar underscores the sensitivity surrounding religious issues in Nigeria.

As discussions continue, stakeholders are urging calm and dialogue to ensure that the issue is resolved without compromising regional unity and national cohesion.

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

RealMecus

RealMecus: TikTok Star and Philanthropist Making Waves

Aliozor Toochukwu Justin, better known as RealMecus, has risen from a TikTok sensation to a ...

SEC

SEC Extends Private Funds Disclosure Deadline to October 2026

On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved a second ...

GOLD_3_6

Thieves Steal Gold Worth €600,000 from Paris Museum

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Paris’s National Natural History Museum reported a theft of gold ...

Letsile

Tebogo Advances to 200m Semi-Finals in Tokyo

Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo secured a spot in the men’s 200-meter semi-finals at the World Athletics ...

Latest News

Today in History

September 18th is the day in 1922 that Hungary is admitted to League of Nations.

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram382.3145
GH Ghana Cedi12.2483
GM Gambian Dalasi72
GN Guinea Franc8,680.58
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,493.14
CF CFA Franc BEAC554.1412
18 Sep · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 18 Sep 2025 11:05 UTC
Latest change: 18 Sep 2025 11:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?