From Damola Adeloye, Ibadan
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde has cleared the air on the plan to apply Sharia law in some states in the South West, noting that his administration would not oppose anything that is in line with the constitution.
The clarification came against the backdrop of a media report that the Oyo State government would go to court to challenge the plan.
Governor Makinde declared that members of the public could approach the Sharia panel if they feel like doing so.
The governor, who stated that the panel could be an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, noted that the court of law is still empowered by the constitution to settle all disputes and that his administration would always follow the dictates of the constitution.
Makinde stated this at the 2025 Iftar programme organised by the state government, held at the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Ibadan.
According to him, his administration is focused on ensuring religious harmony and total unity in the state and would, therefore, not allow anyone to cause disaffection.
“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 South Western 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, 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 government and ensure that the cases going to our judges are reduced,” the governor said.
Governor Makinde appreciated the Islamic faithful for their prayers, support and cooperation towards his administration, noting that these had resulted in tremendous progress and growth.
He equally thanked the legislators, judiciary and the people for their cooperation, just as he commended all the service chiefs for their good work in keeping the state safe and secure.
Delivering the Iftar lecture, the Chief Imam of the Government House Mosque, Sheik Adebayo Rufai noted that Allah loves Governor Makinde for his dedication, steadfastness and good deeds to the people of the state.
He added that God would reward him for feasting the people, especially during the Ramadan period.
Earlier in his opening remarks, chairman of the occasion, Chief Bayo Oyero thanked Makinde for organising the sixth Iftar edition since the inception of his administration and for his continuous support to the Muslim Ummah in the state.
