Oyo Sharia Panel Begins Sitting As Gov. Makinde Goes To Court

The Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo Land, Dr. Rafiu Bello, on Monday, disclosed that the Sharia panel had been established and had already commenced sittings in Oyo town.

This was as the state Governor, Seyi Makinde, stated that the state government plans to challenge in court the legality of the recently established Sharia panel in the state.

Makinde, through his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said this on Monday in response to the Sharia panel’s sittings in Oyo town.

“The governor was so clear about this matter right from the outset, that if it is a constitutional matter, we have to refer to the constitution. Does the Constitution allow that? That is what will determine the actions that will be taken by the state because we cannot do anything other than the Constitution,” Olanrewaju said.

He continued, “So, does the Constitution allow the establishment of a Sharia panel or Sharia court? If they say it does, it will be tested in court. I don’t think it does. The Constitution does not allow anyone to establish a court. You can’t just set up a court in a state.”

Speaking with The Punch, Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo Land, Bello explained, “The Sharia panel in Oyo has now been established and it sits at Central Mosque, Akesan, Oyo. Sittings are held on Thursday from 10 am to 1 pm.”

He further stated, “Those knowledgeable in Sharia preside over the panel, and people are already approaching the panel regarding different issues. Nigerian law allows us to establish Sharia. The law allows us to establish a Sharia panel. Observers are welcome to the panel’s sittings.”

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Oyo chapter, had in January suspended the planned inauguration of the panel in Oyo town, following widespread public outcry.

Reacting to the issue then, Makinde had said his administration would be guided by the Constitution on the issue.