Adebayo Shittu, former minister of communications, says if elected governor of Oyo state, he will introduce Sharia law if the people want it.
Shittu spoke during an interview titled: ‘Naija Unfiltered’,
a podcast published by Symfoni.
The interviewer had asked the ex-minister to comment on the
recent move by some stakeholders to introduce Sharia law in the south-west
geopolitical zone.
Responding, Shittu asked the interviewer how the
institutionalisation of Sharia law in the south-west will affect him negatively
as a Christian.
“Let me ask you. How does Sharia law, if institutionalised,
affect you as a Christian? How does it affect you negatively?” Shittu asked.
Responding, the interviewer cited how Hisbah police in some
northern states infringe on human rights while claiming to be implementing
Sharia law.
“The constitution guarantees freedom of religion. You are
talking out of intolerance for religion. You are very intolerant,” Shittu
responded.
Asked if he will introduce Sharia law if elected governor of
Oyo in 2027, he said: “If the people ask for it. Even the constitution says it
should be established whenever it is demanded. It is open because the
constitution allows it. I don’t run away from battles.
“A lot of people oppose Sharia, like you, out of
intolerance. That is the truth. If there is Sharia in any community, no
Christian can be forced to go under Sharia.”
In 2024, there was a groundswell of controversies and
disagreements online and offline over moves to establish Sharia arbitration
panels in south-west states.
The controversy began in December 2024 when the Oyo state
chapter of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSIN) announced plans to
establish a sharia court in the state and its environs.
The announcement was met with backlash. Afterwards, the
council indefinitely suspended an event to set up the panels.
Nigeria’s legal system is a fusion of common law, customary
law, and Sharia (Islamic) law, reflecting the country’s ethnic and religious
diversity.
The constitution provides a framework for the establishment
and practice of Sharia and customary laws, particularly in civil matters.
Most states in the north of the country have infused Sharia
law into their legal systems.
Recently, Shittu, a chieftain of the All Progressives
Congress (APC), announced his intention to contest the 2027 Oyo governorship
election, saying he is the most qualified hopeful for the seat.
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