Politics
Controversy Surrounds Proposed Sharia Court in Oyo State, Event Postponed Indefinitely
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.
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU FORWARDS NEW AMBASSADORIAL LIST TO SENATE, NOMINATES DAMBAZAU, IBAS, CHIOMA OHAKIM AND OTHERS
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
4-DEC- 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh set of ambassadorial nominations to the Senate, featuring a mix of distinguished public figures and seasoned professionals drawn from across the country.
Among the notable nominees are former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Chief of Naval Staff and immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former senator Ita Enang; and Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State.
The President formally transmitted two comprehensive lists containing 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadorial nominees, bringing the total number of nominees awaiting Senate confirmation to 68.
The newly submitted lists mark another significant step in the administration’s ongoing diplomatic restructuring, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s representation and presence across global missions.
The Senate is expected to commence screening and confirmation proceedings in the coming days.
Judge rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s brother court appearance
IMO ON GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT AS GOVERNOR UZODIMMA KICKS OFF 2025 IMO ECONOMIC SUMMIT.
IMO ON GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT AS GOVERNOR UZODIMMA KICKS OFF 2025 IMO ECONOMIC SUMMIT.
-
Business1 year ago
US court acquits Air Peace boss, slams Mayfield $4000 fine
-
Trending1 year agoNYA demands release of ‘abducted’ Imo chairman, preaches good governance
-
Politics1 year agoMexico’s new president causes concern just weeks before the US elections
-
Politics1 year agoPutin invites 20 world leaders
-
Politics1 year agoRussia bans imports of agro-products from Kazakhstan after refusal to join BRICS
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky falls ill in police custody, rushed to hospital
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky transferred from Immigration to FCID, spends night behind bars
-
Education1 year ago
GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI