Yoruba elders warn introduction of Shari’ah court in Oyo’ll bring chaos to Yorubaland

......Seek total cancellation of bid

The recent announcement regarding the inauguration of a Shari’ah court in Oyo town has sparked significant concern among Yoruba elders, who are sounding alarms about the potential disruption to peace in Yorubaland.

The Yoruba elders on the platform of “Yoruba Regional Alliance (YRA),” yesterday in Ibadan, issued a strong condemnation of the move, labelling it a direct threat to the harmony and cultural fabric of the southwest region.

The planned introduction of the Shari’ah Court, organised by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, has triggered alarm among Yoruba elders, who fear it could ignite chaos and disrupt the longstanding peace that has characterised Yorubaland.

Speaking during press a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, the leader of the group, Com. Opeoluwa Akinola stated that the planned introduction could incite unrest and conflict in Oyo State.

He noted that “This is an insidious move to disrupt the progress and pace of development that Oyo State is experiencing,” urging for the initiative’s total cancellation.
“The Yoruba people have a long-standing tradition of religious tolerance, coexisting peacefully with diverse faiths, including Christianity, Islam, and traditional Yoruba beliefs.”

The elders stressed that the rich cultural heritage of Yorubaland has been maintained for generations, and they viewed the introduction of a Shari’ah court as a grave threat to the balance. Citing historical context, the YRA reminded the public of past attempts to impose Shari’ah law in Yorubaland, which have been met with resistance.

“For decades, Muslims from the north have sought to export a brand of Islam that promotes violence and intolerance,” they declared. The elders argue that this does not reflect the values of the Yoruba people.”

The alliance also referenced the historical defeat of the Fulani jihad at Osogbo in 1840, where a coalition of Yoruba forces successfully resisted a significant upheaval. “Had this conflict turned in favour of the Fulani, our Obas would have been replaced by Emirs,” they warned, underscoring the importance of this historical event in shaping Yoruba identity.

The YRA spoke not just for a few but represented a collective voice of the Yoruba people who are united against what they perceived as an external imposition of ideologies that threaten their way of life. “We cannot allow our land to become a battleground for agendas that do not align with our values,” the group emphasised.

YRA, however, called for swift action from local leaders, urging them to prioritise the preservation of peace and social harmony. “The mantra of ‘To bury the Quran and the Jihad sword in the sea’ must be a guiding principle for our leaders,” they insisted.

The Yoruba Nation Youths, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, have strongly opposed plans to introduce Sharia law or establish Sharia courts in the South-West region of Nigeria.

This stance was expressed in a joint statement by the Yoruba National Youth Leader (Diaspora), Prophet Ayodele Ologunloluwa, and the Homebase Leader, Comrade Oyegunle Oluwamayowa Omotoyole.

The group affirmed their readiness to defend Yoruba ancestral land against any form of destabilization, including efforts to impose Sharia law. Their statement followed reports that the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter) plans to inaugurate a Sharia court in Oyo town on January 11, 2025. The event is slated to take place at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje area, Agbogangan, Oyo.

The statement declared: “We will resist any move to impose Sharia law or courts in Yorubaland. Yoruba culture and traditions are distinct, and any attempt to introduce alien laws will be met with fierce opposition. Describing the proposal as “laughable,” the group vowed to mobilize resistance if the plan moves forward.

“We warn the Nigerian government not to create divisions in Yorubaland. Our focus is on Yoruba Nation self-determination, and we will not allow any external influence to derail our struggle.”

Quoting Yoruba leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo, they reiterated their resolve: “Instead of a Yorubaman prostrating for a Hausa-Fulani, it is better to take courage and die.”

The youths demanded the immediate withdrawal of the plans and called on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, South-West governors, Yoruba monarchs, senators, and other leaders to reject the proposal and safeguard Yoruba cultural heritage.

They emphasized that Sharia law is incompatible with Yoruba values, culture, and way of life. “We will not allow any attempt to disrupt the peace of Yorubaland under the guise of religious imposition.”

Expressing concern about potential destabilization and the rise of extremist activities, the group stated: “We reject any effort to entrench practices that undermine our faith, values, and identity. We will resist this agenda with all our might.”

The Yoruba Nation Youths also reaffirmed their commitment to establishing an independent Yoruba Nation, free from oppression. “No force on earth or in hell can stop the rise of a sovereign Yoruba state.” They urged Yoruba citizens to remain vigilant and ready to defend their land from any external influence or imposition.

“For decades, Muslims from the north have sought to export a brand of Islam that promotes violence and intolerance,” The elders argue that this does not reflect the values of the Yoruba people.”

The alliance also referenced the historical defeat of the Fulani jihad at Osogbo in 1840, where a coalition of Yoruba forces successfully resisted a significant upheaval. Had this conflict turned in favour of the Fulani, our Obas would have been replaced by Emirs, underscoring the importance of this historical event in shaping Yoruba identity.

 The mantra of "To bury the Quran and the Jihad sword in the sea" must be a guiding principle for our leaders.

chukwutee:
Yes, some Muslims are clamouring for it in some part of the state but the government already declared it as DOA in the state. CASE closed ! why all these propagandas paragraphs by an ipob, on sharia in a southwest state Na like this obi wan be plesident for him dream??

Canpeakmilk:
We own Yaribah land

Inshiallah shariah will spread across south west we need to tame the 2side snake culture

Ya Allah

chukwutee:
Yes, some Muslims are clamouring for it in some part of the state but the government already declared it as DOA in the state. CASE closed ! why all these propagandas paragraphs by an ipob, on sharia in a southwest state Na like this obi wan be plesident for him dream??

cybersoldiers:


Igbos have no interest nor business with terrorists. They are allergic to Muslim terrorists as such why do you think they're interested in your terrorists Shari'a?

Its your hands and legs that will be amputated, not Igbos.

They should introduce Sharia3fkr you people so you can stop beheading yourselves and mining each other's skulls.

chukwutee:
Yes, some Muslims are clamouring for it in some part of the state but the government already declared it as DOA in the state. CASE closed ! why all these propagandas paragraphs by an ipob, on sharia in a southwest state Na like this obi wan be plesident for him dream??

SeverusSnape:
Mtcheeww
Almost 55% of Yorubas are Muslims, If Shari'a is introduced across the South West, It should not be a big deal na 🤷
There's Shari'a in the North, The North and the South West are now best of buddies, also considering the Mu-mU ticket government thing, They should accept the Shari'a with their full chest o. Allah hu Akbar.