The Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, has called on Muslims in Southwest Nigeria to withhold their votes from any governorship candidate who refuses to support the establishment of Sharia courts in the region.
Delivering his Jumaat sermon last Friday, Sheikh Jamiu emphasized that Muslims must demand accountability from political candidates regarding their stance on Sharia courts, which he insists are long overdue in Yorubaland.
Call for Commitment to Sharia Courts
“Oh Muslims, as elections approach, any candidate seeking your support for governorship must pledge to establish Sharia Courts. If they refuse to sign an agreement with the Muslim community, do not vote for them,” he declared.
He stressed that Sharia courts are meant exclusively for Muslims and would not affect non-Muslims, just as they operate in northern states. He also cited sections of the Nigerian Constitution that recognize Sharia law, highlighting that Sections 38 and 40 guarantee freedom of religion and association, while Section 277 permits states to establish Sharia courts for matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and wills.
Addressing Opposition to Sharia Panels
Sheikh Jamiu dismissed opposition to Sharia courts in the Southwest, arguing that resistance is often based on misinformation. He urged Muslims to educate those who misunderstand the role of these courts, clarifying that they primarily serve as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms for Muslims.
He further insisted that Yoruba states—including Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, and Ondo—should establish Sharia courts to cater to their Muslim populations.
Muslims Urged to Vote Strategically
The Imam concluded by reminding Muslims to use their votes to protect their constitutional rights:
“Any candidate who refuses to commit to establishing Shariah courts in your state, don’t vote for him.”
His statement comes amid ongoing debates over the role of religious law in Nigeria’s legal system, particularly in the multi-religious Southwest.
