The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has voiced strong support for the introduction of Sharia law in South-West Nigeria, emphasizing its long-standing practice in the region. He reassured non-Muslims, asserting that Sharia law would only apply to Muslims and would not affect the rights of other religious groups.
Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo, has publicly supported the idea of introducing Sharia law practices in the South-West region of Nigeria. Speaking about the long-standing tradition of Sharia law in Yoruba land, the influential monarch emphasized that the practice has been present for over 100 years, with institutions like Sharia banks and a Sharia college already operating in Iwo. He reassured non-Muslims, explaining that Sharia law would only apply to Muslims and would not interfere with the rights or freedoms of those from different faiths.
The call for the introduction of Sharia law follows a recent controversy regarding the planned inauguration of a Sharia council by an Islamic organization in Oyo State. The announcement of the council’s inauguration, scheduled for January 11, 2025, was met with public criticism, leading to its indefinite postponement. Critics expressed concerns about the differing religious dynamics in the South-West compared to the Muslim-majority North.
Despite the opposition, the Oluwo of Iwo argued that Muslims in the region often feel marginalized in matters such as inheritance and divorce due to the incompatibility of Western law with Islamic customs. He stated that Sharia law is enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution and is already in practice in the northern states. Oba Akanbi also highlighted the freedom of religious practice, noting that Sharia would not impose restrictions on non-Muslims.
