Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has told Muslims in the state that he is not opposed to the sitting of Sharia panels in the state, adding that anyone who so wishes can approach the Sharia panel to resolve their disputes.
Makinde also stated that he had no intention of going to court to test the constitutionality of the Sharia court’s operation in Oyo State.
According to a statement on Thursday by his media aide, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde spoke on Wednesday at the 2025 Iftar programme organised by the state government held at the frontage of the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
The statement that the 2025 Iftar programme was the sixth edition since Makinde became governor in 2019.
The Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo Land, Dr. Rafiu Bello, had on Monday informed journalists that a Sharia panel had been established in Oyo town and had already commenced sittings.
In response, Makinde’s media aide, Olanrewaju, echoed the governor’s first reaction in January, where he declared that the Sharia court would only be allowed to operate in the state if permitted by the 1999 Constitution.
Olanrewaju said the state might have to approach the court to seek legal direction.
But speaking during the Iftar programme on Wednesday, Makinde declared that he had no intention of going to court, adding that Sharia panels are free to operate in Oyo State.
The governor said the Sharia panel could be an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, adding that the court of law is still empowered by the Constitution to settle all disputes and that his administration would always follow the dictates of the Constitution.
“I read in the newspaper that I would go to court for interpretation on the Sharia panel, which is ongoing in Oyo. That is not my position.
“My position is that we will support anything that is in our Constitution. I made a statement when Muslims in southwestern Nigeria came to my office that we should not encourage discord among ourselves no matter how little.
“The interpretation on my own side is that, even in our families, it is not every issue we take to court. When people have disagreements, the elders in the family try to settle the dispute.
“So, on this particular Sharia panel, whoever wants to patronise it and feels it is an alternative dispute mechanism, it is okay. It will help the government and ensure that the number of cases going to our judges is reduced.
“We will encourage alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and the only thing I can say is that if it is something to be enforced or that needs more clarity, you still have the court, which is recognised by the Constitution.
“My administration is focused on ensuring religious harmony and total unity in the state and would, therefore, not allow anyone to cause disaffection in the state,” Makinde stated.
He said he would not play into the hands of those seeking to cause religious disharmony in the state for the purpose of winning the election.
Makinde said, “We have all lived together peacefully and as we move towards the next election, there will be elements that only think about the next election. But what we have done in this administration is to think about the next generation.
“This is the reason that after three years into this government, we sat down and thought we should rehabilitate our roads. Before now, previous administrations would come in, and patch the roads but during rainy seasons, they get destroyed again.
“In our own estimation, we observed that most of these roads are 50 years old to 60 years old. So, we said we would scrape them, and reconstruct them so that for the next 30 years, nobody would do anything on them.
“So, as we move towards the next election, let us be vigilant. People will come with all sorts. But I know that your prayers will see us through. Oyo State would never go back to the era of ‘do or die’ politics.”
The governor appreciated the Muslim faithful in the state for their prayers, support and cooperation towards his administration, noting that these had resulted in tremendous progress and growth.
He equally thanked the legislators, the judiciary and the people of the state for their cooperation, just as he commended all the service chiefs for their good work in keeping the state safe and secure.
Delivering the Iftar lecture, the Chief Imam, Oyo State Government House Mosque, Adebayo Rufai, said Allah loves Makinde for his dedication, steadfastness and good deeds to the people of the state.
He prayed that God would reward him for feeding the people, especially during the Ramadan period.
Earlier, the chairman on the occasion, Bayo Oyero, thanked Governor Makinde for organising the 6th edition of Iftar since the inception of his administration and for his continuous support to the Muslim Ummah in the state.
Also in their separate goodwill messages, the Secretary, Oyo State Muslim Community, Alhaji Abidemi Siyanbade; and Prof. Rasheed Aderinoye lauded the governor for allocating a new land portion for the reconstruction of the late Rashidi Adesokan Mosque affected by the ongoing reconstruction of Premier Hotel, Ibadan.
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, lauded Makinde’s uncommon leadership virtues and also appreciated the other arms of government for their support and cooperation with the present administration.
The event had in attendance a former governor of the state and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; former Deputy Governor of the state and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governor, Hamid Gbadamosi; Mutiat Ladoja, represented by Kobiowu; and Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Mohammed Fadeyi.
Also in attendance were member representing Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, Abass Adigun; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice R.B. Akintola; President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Tajudeen Abdulganiyu, and the Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni.
The PUNCH
