Gani Adams, Yoruba group reject Sharia Court establishment in Yorubaland
A Yoruba self-determination group, Yoruba One Voice, has kicked against the push to introduce Sharia law in parts of the South-West region.
Such move, according to the group, is capable of destabilizing the region and threaten Nigeria’s already fragile pluralism.
Convener of the Group, Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, made the reservation in a communique issued at the end of YOV’s international virtual conference.
Adams explained that efforts to implement Sharia law in Yoruba territory is a ploy to weaponise religion for political purposes.
“Introducing Sharia law will not improve our economic, political, or cultural fortunes,” Adams said.
“It could shatter the peace of our land, force our youth into violence, and spark crises similar to what is happening in other parts of the country”, he added.
Adams, however, warned that such moves could fuel unrest and embolden extremist tendencies in the region.
Meanwhile, the group also demanded regional autonomy and restructuring, saying such decision remain the only viable paths to ensuring peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The group said if the political class continued to resist calls for true federalism, the Yoruba people may be left with no option but to pursue complete political independence.
