The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has assured that Yoruba Muslims are prepared to face any legal action regarding the establishment of a Shari’ah panel in Oyo town. This response follows a threat from the Yoruba Council Worldwide (Igbimo Apapo Yoruba Lagbaye) to take legal steps should the plan proceed.
In a press release signed by MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group clarified that the initiative involved the launch of a Shari’ah panel, not a court, emphasized that such panels have existed in Yorubaland since 2003. MURIC criticized the Yoruba group for spreading misinformation and creating unnecessary tension.
“Nobody is planning to inaugurate a Shari’ah court. What is being planned in Oyo town is a Shari’ah panel.
“A panel is just a committee, and any group of people can set one up. The Yoruba group is making a mountain out of a molehill.”the statement read.
MURIC highlighted that Shari’ah panels are private arbitration bodies that operate voluntarily and have no enforcement power. It noted the longstanding presence of such panels in South-West states, including Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, and Osun, functioning from mosques and private venues.
The organization also rebuffed claims that Shari’ah lacked historical roots in Yorubaland, citing examples of Shari’ah courts established by notable Yoruba monarchs in the early 20th century.
MURIC concluded by expressing confidence in the legal backing for their actions, referencing Sections 275(1), 276, and 277 of the Nigerian Constitution, which allow the practice of Shari’ah in states with substantial Muslim populations.
The group welcomed the prospect of a legal challenge, asserting, “Yoruba Muslims are not afraid of legal action over Shari’ah. The law is on our side.”
