The Oyo State government has announced plans to legally challenge the establishment of a Sharia panel in Oyo town, declaring it unconstitutional.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration insists that only the state or federal government has the authority to establish judicial bodies.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, confirmed the government’s stance in response to inquiries about the panel, which has already begun sittings at the Central Mosque in Akesan, Oyo.
"The governor was clear from the outset: if it’s a constitutional matter, we must refer to the Constitution. Does it permit the establishment of a Sharia panel or court? If proponents claim it does, we will test it in court. We believe it doesn’t,” Olanrewaju stated.
He emphasised that only recognized state or federal institutions can legally set up judicial panels.
“A panel that adjudicates on people’s affairs must have state backing. Otherwise, it’s illegal,” he said.
Dr. Rafiu Bello, Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo Land, confirmed that the panel is operational, holding sessions every Thursday to address marital disputes, inheritance issues, and land conflicts.
“Nigerian law permits Sharia, and our panel is open to all, though designed for Muslims who voluntarily seek resolution under Islamic law,” Bello said.
He noted that similar panels already function in Ogbomoso, Kisi, Saki, and Ibadan.
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria had initially suspended the panel’s inauguration in January following public outcry.
However, Bello stated that proceedings have now begun discreetly.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo State, Rev. Joshua Akinyemiju, expressed surprise, claiming no knowledge of the panel’s operations.
“I knew they planned this earlier, but after protests, it was postponed indefinitely. If they’ve proceeded secretly, we will investigate,” he said.
Our education is really in a mess. Most comments here don't know the difference between sexual harassment and rape, they expected a video of Akpabio forcing his stick into Natasha as evidence for sexual harassment.
Who is Onanuga to warn Peter Obi? The tribal bigot should know how to turn in his circle. Where's the lie in what Peter Obi said? Has democracy and the economy not collapsed under Tinubu's government?
True. I supported Peter Obi is because he is the only former governor in Nigeria without any corruption case against him in any court in the whole country. He is the only politician who refused to give money to get people's votes
Zonefree: Omo, I watched the Heartland and Abia Warriors match live yesterday. I got goal notification even before the Abia Warriors skipper play the free kick.
A lot of people have experienced this. The bookies are way ahead. That's why they ban any account that wins consistently.
Una go cry no worry. Any money you credit a betting company is gone. Ghana match the other day someone who was watching live at the stadium was shocked when he received the second goal notification from flashscore.com before the goal was actually scored for real. The bookies are living in the future
Nonsense this was how people in Jonathan’s camp didn't believe an incumbent president could lose election back then in 2015. Let's see how Tinubu who became president with 30% of votes cast with massive rigging will win reelection after senseless anti people economic policies that have thrown millions of Nigerians into poverty
Police officers engaging in skits while on duty would be considered unprofessional conduct and a violation of the Nigeria Police Force's Code of Conduct which requires officers to remain focused, disciplined, and dedicated to their duties.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZnoUKHoU9c?si=5w_KGPVBYhotADSe A bizarre video making rounds online shows a relentless machete-wielding man chasing his victim, who runs into a police station for safety. However, in a shocking turn of events the attacker disregards the presence of police officers and continues his pursuit. It took several officers working together to finally subdue him.
The reason behind this dangerous chase remains unclear. What do you think could have pushed the attacker to such an extreme risking everything just to harm his victim?
You have spoken like a true leader with class, civility and conscience. Nigerians know who their real enemies are. Never again in this country will charlatans and rascals who have no regard for the laws of the land be allowed anywhere near positions of authority
Tinubu is the new premier of western Nigeria a very pure evil minded person with senseless economic plans. The people of Nigeria are dying of hunger, starvation and insecurity. Tinubu is the only leader whose economic policies are aimed to impoverish people into prosperity
CommonSense1967: You demolished the state assembly just because you didn't want them to sit and start impeachment process. For this act alone, you deserve to be impeached and even imprisoned. The wailing wailers sees nothing wrong with a Governor demolishing a state house of assembly because he disagree with the members. Wait till similar thing occurs in an APC state, then they will remember the "rule of law". Blind hypocrites.
Would you still be making this statement if the deteriorating assembly building had collapsed, leading to the deaths of all its members? What exactly was wrong with the governor taking proactive measures to prevent an imminent disaster, especially when he was acting on the sound advice of qualified experts?
The incompetent AGF just indicted Tinubu publicly. They openly confessed to interfering in Rivers state assembly matters and overstepping their bounds. The mumu AGF doesn't know that blocking a state assembly from fulfilling its constitutional role is nothing short of treason. He should be arrested immediately