Politics

Controversy Surrounds Proposed Sharia Court in Oyo State, Event Postponed Indefinitely

Published

1 year ago

December 25, 2024

Oyo State, known for its cultural diversity and religious harmony, was recently at the center of a heated debate following a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) announcing the inauguration of a Sharia court in Oyo town. The post, shared by AbdulQowiyy Olalekan Imam-Oníde (@A_QowiyyBadmus) on December 20, 2024, claimed that the Southwest lacked trial courts for Muslim matters and announced the inauguration of a Sharia court by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Oyo Chapter, scheduled for January 11, 2025.

The invitation included prominent figures such as the Basorun of Oyo land, High Chief Yusuf Olayinka, Alhaji Tajudeen Kamorise (Aare Musulumi of Oyo land), Alhaji Abdul Lateef Eleyele (Mufasiru of Oyo land), and Alhaji Yaqub Mainazara (Amir li-Mumeen of Oyo land). The event was to be held at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Mobolaje Area, Oyo.

Public Backlash and Social Media Concerns

The announcement sparked widespread criticism and fear, with many questioning its implications for unity and social harmony in the Southwest. A user on X warned, “If Sharia law gets implemented in your state, you can be randomly arrested and imprisoned for ‘indecent dressing,’ even if you are not a Muslim.”

Prominent religious leaders and legal experts expressed doubts about the development. Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold, a former chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, and former Attorney General of Oyo State, Mutalubi Ojo, denied knowledge of such plans. Legal luminary Ahmed Raji (SAN) clarified that the initiative was not a Sharia court but an arbitration panel for resolving disputes among consenting Muslims.

Clarification and Postponement

Raji emphasized, *“The council intended to establish a Sharia panel for arbitration, not a court with punitive powers. No court can be established without government approval, and this panel’s decisions are non-binding for those who do not consent.”*

In response to the backlash, the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo Branch) announced the indefinite postponement of the event. In a statement issued on December 24, 2024, and signed by the Khadimul Muslimeen of Oyo Kingdom, Imam Daud Igi Ogun, the group said:

“On behalf of Oyo Muslim indigenes, this is to inform the general public that the inauguration ceremony of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo branch), previously scheduled for January 11, 2025, has been suspended until further notice. Islam portrays peace.”

The controversy highlights the delicate balance between religious practices and public perception in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of transparency and dialogue in maintaining social harmony.

Politics

David Mark Holds Secret Meeting With PRP Leaders as ADC Crisis Deepens

Published

7 days ago

April 12, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party in Abuja. The private consultation is seen as a fresh round of political moves as the ADC continues to battle a lingering leadership crisis and growing internal divisions.

Top figures from both parties were said to be present at the meeting, including PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and senior ADC officials. The development is already drawing attention as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 political season, with many watching closely for possible alliances and next steps in the party crisis.

Politics

“ADC is a Holy Party, Cannot be used to Scam Nigerians Again” – Hon Success Opara tells David Mark

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

ADC Party in Turmoil: Hon Success Opara Slams Leadership, Warns Against Scamming Nigerians

Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing internal strife as Hon Success Opara, a prominent party official, has warned against attempts to use the party to deceive Nigerians. Opara specifically criticized the leadership of David Mark, stating that the party cannot be used to scam citizens again.

“ADC holy Party cannot be used to scam Nigerians again,” Opara said, emphasizing that those forming coalitions are hindering the party’s growth and denying youths opportunities to thrive.

“Those who are forming coalition don’t want to give the youths the chance to strive in the party,” she added.

Opara’s statement highlights the deepening divisions within the ADC, with concerns over leadership and the party’s direction.

Politics

2027: Bala declares aspirants over 55 years disqualified in ADC

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has announced that the party under his leadership will bar individuals above the age of 55 from contesting for political positions.

Gombe made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined a vision centred on generational change and greater youth participation in politics.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a party that belongs to all Nigerians. What we are doing now is to ensure the party moves forward properly.

“We have decided that we will give the youths a real chance. The time has come for young people to take the lead in politics.

“If you are over 55 years old, you are not going to contest for positions in the ADC under our leadership.

“We want to bring in fresh blood, new ideas, and energy from the youth. Nigeria’s future depends on the young generation.

“The old ways have not worked well for the country. We need to open the door wide for youths to participate fully as candidates, leaders, and decision-makers,” he said.