Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has addressed concerns regarding the implementation of Sharia law in parts of the South-West, including Oyo.
He affirmed that his administration will not oppose any initiative that aligns with the Nigerian Constitution.
His statement follows reports suggesting that the state government planned to challenge the proposal in court.
Dismissing such claims, Makinde emphasised that individuals are free to engage with the Sharia Panel if they so choose.
Speaking at the 2025 Iftar Programme organised by the state government at the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, the governor described the panel as a possible avenue for alternative dispute resolution.
However, he reiterated that the judiciary remains the ultimate authority in legal matters, as enshrined in the Constitution.
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Makinde also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious harmony and unity, warning against divisive tactics aimed at destabilizing the state.
While acknowledging that some politicians may exploit religious sentiments for electoral gain, he assured that his government remains focused on sustainable development for the benefit of all residents and future generations.
Makinde, in a statement released by the Oyo State government, was quoted to have said, “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 (MUSWEN) 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.
“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 to them.
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“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 statement highlighted the governor’s gratitude to the Muslim community in the state for their unwavering prayers, support, and collaboration with his administration, acknowledging their role in fostering significant development and progress.
He also expressed appreciation to the legislature, judiciary, and citizens for their continued cooperation, while commending security chiefs for their dedication to maintaining peace and stability.
The governor urged all residents to uphold unity and avoid actions that could disrupt the prevailing harmony in the state.
