“Makinde spoke from ignorance on Shari’ah issue” – MURIC
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticized Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for opposing Shari’ah without, according to the group, adequate understanding of its legal and social basis in Nigeria. The group, through its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, released a statement on Friday accusing the governor of making misleading remarks about Shari’ah and its place in the Nigerian Constitution.
“Governor Makinde spoke from a position of ignorance about the subject matter, particularly about the true situation on ground. It is advisable for government officials to get adequate briefing before commenting on issues, particularly sensitive matters like religion,” Akintola stated.
The controversy arose after some Yoruba youths publicly opposed the establishment of Shari’ah in the region. In response, Governor Makinde claimed in a viral video that Shari’ah was not enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. However, MURIC countered this assertion, pointing to Section 275(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which permits states to establish Shari’ah Courts of Appeal.
Typographical Error and Political Exploitation
MURIC clarified that the recent misunderstanding stemmed from a typographical error in the invitation to a Shari’ah-related event in Oyo town. The invitation referred to the inauguration of a “Shari’ah Court” instead of a “Shari’ah Panel.”
“The governor deliberately exploited the typographical error because we know that he cannot claim to be unaware of the existence of many Shari’ah panels in Yorubaland,” Akintola said.
He highlighted the long-standing presence of Shari’ah panels in Yorubaland, including one in Oyo town, which has been operating since May 1, 2002. Similar panels exist in Lagos, Ogun, Osun, and Ekiti states, serving as platforms for resolving family disputes among Muslims, particularly in matters of inheritance, marriage, and divorce.
Call for Tolerance and Understanding
MURIC appealed for tolerance and understanding of Muslim civil Shari’ah, urging the Yoruba people not to succumb to incitement against their Muslim neighbors. Akintola emphasized that these panels serve as alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, not conventional courts.
“We must learn to tolerate Muslim civil Shari’ah just as the Muslims have been tolerating Christian laws and their courts for decades,” he said, adding that mutual respect among Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists is essential for peaceful coexistence.
Quoting Hosea 4:6, Akintola warned against ignorance and incitement, urging Yoruba Muslims to remain patient and mature in the face of provocations.
“Islam is a religion based on knowledge and peaceful behavior. We must therefore manifest patience and maturity at all times,” he concluded.
The statement underscores the need for informed discourse and mutual respect in addressing religious matters, particularly in a pluralistic society like Nigeria.