The Chief Imam has issued a strong warning against the introduction of Shari’a law in Yorubaland, stating that its implementation could ignite serious conflict and unrest in the region. Highlighting the potential for division and violence, the Imam emphasized the need for unity and peaceful coexistence among all ethnic and religious groups in the area. His statement comes amid growing discussions on the topic, urging leaders to consider the broader implications for regional stability.

Sheik Abdulraheem Aduanigba, the Chief Imam of Yorubaland, has stated that the implementation of Sharia law is unfeasible in the South West zone of the country.

Sheik Aduanigba who said this in a viral video warned that any attempt to impose Sharia on the people in the six states of the South West could ignite war.

In explaining why Sharia law is impractical in the region, Sheik Abdulraheem Aduanigba highlighted the distinct presence of three major religions: Christianity, Islam, and traditional beliefs. He argued that imposing Sharia on Christians, who number 27 million, and traditional worshippers, who number 10 million, would sow disunity and chaos. Emphasizing that Muslims are not the majority in the zone, he warned that introducing Sharia would provoke conflict.

His stance contrasts with that of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who has expressed support for the introduction of Sharia in the South West.

According to the Chief Imam, “Sharia cannot work in Yorubaland because our general language is Yoruba. When we talk of Yoruba, there are three distinct religions. Our original religion in Yorubaland is a traditional religion before the advent of Christianity. When Christianity came, it gave birth to Islam. In Yorubaland today, we have 27 million Christians, 23 million Muslims and 10 million traditional worshippers”.

“In Yorubaland today, there are 972 traditional rulers. So, if we say we should introduce Sharia, it will contradict the system we have been using in our own law”.

“We, in the South West, are aware that some of us celebrate masquerade festivals; some mark Christmas and Easter; some celebrate Ramadan and Ileya. So, if some of us in Yoruba decide to use Sharia, Sharia means women should cover their heads and we will start quarrelling with women who don’t cover their heads; those who drink alcoholic drinks, Sharia will frown at them. Yorubaland can’t allow such a system.”

“Sharia cannot work and the reason is that the money generated from Breweries in Lagos is the money given to the North who practice Sharia; the internally generated revenue from hotels where there are commercial sex workers is given to the North who cannot allow such things. That’s why I’m happy with the Tax Reform Bill that President Tinubu initiated that each state should be given the fair share of its IGR. So, that’s why Sharia cannot work in Yorubaland if we don’t want to cause war.”