Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has vehemently defended the establishment of Independent Shariah Panels of Arbitration in the South-West, dismissing critics as “ignorant” and “intolerant.”
The controversy surrounding the panels, which some fear may pave the way for Shariah law in the region, has sparked heated debates, with various Yoruba groups and civil society organizations expressing opposition.
However, Shittu, speaking on a popular television program, argued that the initiative is not only legal but in line with Nigeria’s Constitution.
He explained that the panels have already been operational in several South-West states for over a decade, handling civil matters among Muslims without causing any unrest.
“Sharia is about fundamental human rights in relation to religion. The constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion,” Shittu asserted.
He went on to challenge the critics, saying, “What is the sense of two Muslims getting married under Sharia Law, and when they want to divorce, they are told to go to a Customary Court made up of people who may not understand the law they got married under?”
The former minister also pointed out that Shariah Panels have been successfully functioning in Oyo and Lagos states for over 10 years without incident.
“Has any Christian or non-Muslim been drafted to a Sharia Court? No,” he said, stressing the constitutional rights of Muslims to practice their faith.
Shittu further emphasized that the Muslim community has a right to seek legal recourse if their religious rights are being obstructed.
“These constitutional religious rights are inherent in you as a human being,” he said, urging the government to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their faith.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar II, has also supported the panels, asserting that they are lawful under Section 275 of the Nigerian Constitution.
He urged southern governors and traditional rulers to ensure Muslims’ rights are respected in their regions.
