Kehinde Fajobi
The recent announcement of the establishment of a Shari’ah court in Oyo town has raised serious concerns among Yoruba elders, who fear the move could destabilise the region’s peace.
The Yoruba Regional Alliance (YRA), representing a collective voice of Yoruba elders, condemned the initiative, calling it a direct threat to the harmony and cultural integrity of the southwest.
At a press conference in Ibadan on Wednesday, the YRA leader, Com. Opeoluwa Akinola, voiced strong opposition to the plan, describing it as an attempt to disrupt Oyo State’s development.
“This is an insidious move to disrupt the progress and pace of development that Oyo State is experiencing,” Akinola said, urging for the immediate cancellation of the initiative.
The elders highlighted the Yoruba tradition of religious tolerance, where Islam, Christianity, and traditional beliefs have coexisted peacefully for generations.
They expressed concern that the introduction of the Shari’ah court would upset this balance and ignite conflict in the region.
Citing past attempts to impose Shari’ah law in Yorubaland, which were met with resistance, the YRA stated, “For decades, Muslims from the north have sought to export a brand of Islam that promotes violence and intolerance.”
The elders argued that this imposition does not reflect the values of the Yoruba people.
The alliance also recalled the historical defeat of the Fulani jihad in 1840 at Osogbo, which they believe preserved the Yoruba identity.
“Had this conflict turned in favour of the Fulani, our Obas would have been replaced by Emirs,” the YRA warned.
The group, representing the collective will of the Yoruba people, stressed the importance of preserving their land and culture.
“We cannot allow our land to become a battleground for agendas that do not align with our values,” they stated.
The YRA called on local leaders to act swiftly to protect peace and harmony in the region, urging them to adopt the principle: “To bury the Quran and the Jihad sword in the sea.”