The Yoruba Nation, led by Professor Adebanji Akintoye, has issued a strong response to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, following his advocacy for the establishment of Sharia law in the predominantly Yoruba Southwest region.
In a detailed six-page document dated February 1, 2025, Akintoye firmly rejected the proposal, urging the Sultan and other proponents of Sharia to abandon their ambitions in Yoruba land. He suggested that the Fulani should instead focus on Islamizing their indigenous herders, many of whom still practice traditional beliefs.
The statement criticized the Sultan’s perceived authority over Yoruba Muslims, emphasizing that while Yoruba Muslims are devoted followers of Islam, they do not recognize the Sultan as their religious leader. Akintoye accused the Fulani of historical oppression, citing instances of violence, land grabs, and economic devastation allegedly carried out by Fulani groups against Yoruba communities.
Furthermore, he condemned attempts to impose what he called a “fundamentalist and Jihadist brand of Islam” in the Southwest, asserting that Yoruba culture is rooted in religious tolerance and coexistence. He referenced historical and academic sources highlighting the Yoruba people’s commitment to religious harmony, contrasting it with what he described as the aggressive expansionist tendencies of the Fulani elite.
Akintoye also warned of the potential consequences of Fulani dominance in Nigerian politics, cautioning that the perceived “born-to-rule” mentality could lead to further ethnic tensions. He advised the Fulani leadership to abandon their hegemonic aspirations and embrace equality within the Nigerian state, rather than attempting to impose religious and political dominance over others.
Concluding his response, Akintoye reiterated the Yoruba Nation’s stance on self-determination, stating that Nigeria’s persistent issues—including insecurity, corruption, and economic decline—validate the push for Yoruba independence. He expressed hope that the Fulani leadership would reconsider its trajectory to avoid further conflict and instability in Nigeria.