‘We won’t allow Sharia to destabilize Yorubaland’ – Gani Adams ‘Don’t deny Muslims their rights,’ NSCIA kicks

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has firmly rejected recent calls to introduce Sharia law in the Southwest, denouncing the proposal as an attempt to sow discord in the region.

Addressing the 2025 Oodua Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Wednesday, Adams described proponents of the law as “religious fundamentalists” aiming to disrupt the longstanding peace and unity among the Yoruba people.

Adams insisted that Sharia law is entirely foreign to Yoruba culture and cannot be accommodated in a region that thrives on religious harmony among Muslims, Christians, and traditional worshippers.

“Nigeria is a secular state, and the constitution ensures religious freedom for all. Yorubaland is no place for Sharia law,” he stated.

Expressing his concerns, Adams said, “Some religious fundamentalists now see Yorubaland as their target for destruction. But I want to assure you all that we will not allow religious fanatics and fundamentalists to destabilize Yorubaland.”

He criticized the implementation of Sharia law in Northern Nigeria, arguing it has been reduced to a “tool for politics and intimidation.” Adams added,

“Yorubaland is never a Sharia region. The Yoruba are a multi-religious ethnic nationality. We have Muslims, Christians, and traditional believers living together peacefully. No one will be allowed to use religion to disrupt this harmony.”

In addition to rejecting Sharia law, Adams highlighted a growing security threat, pointing to the reported influx of Boko Haram and ISWAP militants into Oyo and Osun States.

He called on federal and state governments to act swiftly to address the situation and ensure the safety of the region.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, has kicked against growing intolerance and violation of Muslim rights, particularly in southern Nigeria.

In a statement earlier on Wednesday, the apex Muslim body in Nigeria recalled the latest incident in Ekiti State, where the Muslim community’s efforts to establish an Independent Shariah Arbitration Panel were met with resistance from both political and traditional leaders.

This comes shortly after the announcement of a similar Shariah panel in Oyo State, which faced significant opposition, leading to its indefinite postponement.

The NSCIA emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution allows for the establishment of such courts in states with significant Muslim populations, and it expressed disappointment over the failure of political leaders in South-Western Nigeria to act on this provision.

It called for greater respect and recognition of Muslims’ rights to practice their faith, free from unnecessary hindrances.