The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused extremist Christian groups and Yoruba nation agitators of spreading falsehoods about Shari’ah panels in the South-West. The group described the ongoing opposition to the panels as evidence of religious intolerance and discrimination against Muslims in the region.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC clarified that the panels were established to address family disputes among Muslims and not to enforce full Shari’ah law or target non-Muslims.
Akintola pointed to recent allegations made during a press conference held by the Yoruba Nation Religious Council (YONAREC), led by Pastor Oluwafemi J. Edafemi, accusing Muslims of attempting to impose Shari’ah in Yorubaland. He dismissed the claims as baseless, stated that the panels, which have existed for over two decades in some states, operate as voluntary arbitration committees without legal force.
“The Shari’ah panels were established to address the personal and family needs of Muslims, especially in matters like inheritance and dispute resolution.
“These are private and informal panels, not courts, and they are fully supported by the Nigerian Constitution under Sections 275(1), 276, and 277.”Akintola explained.
MURIC alleged that the opposition to these panels highlighted broader issues of religious intolerance and systemic discrimination faced by Yoruba Muslims, including economic marginalization and political ostracization.
Akintola also questioned the silence of human rights groups on the issue, suggesting a double standard in the treatment of Muslim rights. “Why are human rights groups silent when Muslims face persecution? Is human rights advocacy reserved only for Christians?” he asked.
Reiterating the purpose of the Shari’ah panels, Akintola stated, “No Christian has ever been taken to a Shari’ah panel, nor is there any plan to implement the criminal aspects of Shari’ah in the South-West. These lies are deliberate attempts to demonize Muslims and prevent the peaceful coexistence of all faiths in the region.”
MURIC urged security agencies and the public to dismiss the misinformation being spread by opposition groups, emphasizing that the panels are not a threat to other religions.
The organization concluded by calling for genuine inclusivity and tolerance in the South-West, stating, “If democracy is to thrive, it must accommodate all faiths. The rights of Yoruba Muslims must be respected, and the falsehoods must stop.”
