Primate Ayodele Warns Makinde on Sharia Law Proposal in Oyo State

The ongoing controversy surrounding the proposed establishment of Sharia Law in Oyo State has sparked widespread debate and concern.

The plan has been described as potentially harmful and dangerous to both Oyo State and the Southwest region as a whole. Adding to the growing tension, the Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has strongly urged Governor Seyi Makinde to address the issue of Sharia Law in the state, warning of its potential to ignite a long-lasting religious crisis.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Media Aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Primate Ayodele expressed his deep concern, stating that the introduction of Sharia Law would only damage Makinde’s government and create division in Yoruba land. He argued that such a move would have no meaningful impact on the country and would ultimately lead to chaos.

Primate Ayodele further stressed that the proposed Sharia Law was unsuitable for the region, noting, “The establishment of Sharia law isn’t appropriate in Yoruba land and this will cause a nuisance to the government. Seyi Makinde should be cautious and not allow Oyo State to be ruined because it cannot be sustained. This will lead to a religious crisis and doesn’t serve any real purpose—it’s only a means of division.”

He warned that the introduction of Sharia Law would be disastrous not only for the state but also for the country as a whole, urging Governor Makinde to address the issue urgently. The prophet also pointed out that Sharia Law is not an instrument of state but rather one that divides communities, offering no real benefits to development, similar to the country’s reliance on crude oil, which he believes has not led to significant improvements.

The controversy surrounding the Sharia Law proposal gained further traction when a post on social media sparked anxiety across Oyo State. On December 20, 2024, a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) by @A_QowiyyBadmus stated, “Since the Southwest states have left Muslims without any trial court of competent jurisdiction on their matters, despite Section 275(1) of the 1999 CFRN allowing every state to have one, Muslims have resorted to ISPs. Oyo Alaafin is launching its own in January.”

The post included an invitation from the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Oyo chapter, announcing the inauguration of a Sharia Court in Oyo town on January 11, 2025. The event, set to take place at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre in Mobolaje Area, Oyo, will feature key figures such as the Basorun of Oyo land, High Chief Yusuf Olayinka, and Alhaji Tajudeen Kamorise, the Aare Musulumi of Oyo land.