In a recent world press conference, the Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, condemned what they described as a systemic marginalization of Southern Muslims, particularly in the Southwest.
The groups, who have been advocating for the protection of Sharia injunctions and the political rights of Yoruba Muslims, expressed dissatisfaction with the current political landscape and lack of representation in public service.
“We are disappointed by the unfair treatment meted out to Southern Muslims, despite our immense contributions to the campaign that brought President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into power,” said Sheikh AbdurRasheed Hadiyatullahi, President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria.
“It is disheartening to see that, since the inauguration of the President, our community remains sidelined in political appointments.”
The groups highlighted the glaring disparity in key political and security appointments, citing that over 80% of positions from the Southwest were occupied by Christians, even though the region has a significant Muslim population.
They pointed out that in the current ministerial lineup, for instance, out of 11 ministers from the region, only four are Muslim.
Sheikh Abdurrasheed Mayaleeke, Chairman of the Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars in Nigeria, further noted, “In states like Ekiti and Ondo, where there are sizeable Muslim populations, Muslims are not even considered for deputy governor positions, while other states like Kwara have Muslim-dominated governments.”
The groups also raised concerns about the inadequate legal provisions for Islamic personal law, advocating for the establishment of Sharia Courts in the Southwest.
“Muslims in these states are being denied their constitutional right to have Sharia Courts, which would provide a platform for adjudicating matters related to Islamic family law,” said a spokesperson for the group.
The demand for Sharia Courts is not new in the region, with a history dating back to 1894. Despite a series of petitions, including one in 1999, the establishment of such courts has yet to materialize. Instead, “Independent Sharia Panels” have been set up by various Muslim communities in an attempt to address the legal void.
“We have no grudge against anyone and have always been tolerant of other faiths, but we cannot continue to accept the denial of our right to adjudicate according to our religious laws,” the groups concluded.
