The Chief Imam of Yorubaland, Sheik Abdulraheem Aduanigba, has vehemently rejected the idea of imposing Sharia law in the Southwest region of Nigeria.
Speaking in a viral video, the Imam warned that any attempt to introduce Sharia in the six states of the region would ignite significant disunity and could lead to violent conflict.
Aduanigba said the region’s religious diversity is a major obstacle to the imposition of Sharia, noting that the Southwest is home to over 27 million Christians, 10 million traditional worshippers, and 23 million Muslims.
According to him, the introduction of Sharia would deeply alienate these communities, especially Christians and traditionalists, leading to societal upheaval.
His words: “Sharia cannot work in Yorubaland. We have three distinct religions: Christianity, Islam, and traditional religion. Attempting to impose Sharia on people who practice different beliefs will only sow the seeds of discord.”
He also pointed out that many Yoruba people celebrate both Islamic and Christian festivals, as well as indigenous customs.
According to him, the practice of Sharia, which mandates women to cover their heads and prohibits alcohol, would cause friction with those who do not adhere to these practices.
Aduanigba’s views contrast sharply with those of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who has supported the imposition of Sharia in the Southwest.
The Imam said: “The introduction of Sharia would lead to conflict over cultural practices, such as women wearing uncovered heads or drinking alcohol.”
He further added that the financial contributions from Lagos’ breweries and hotels, which generate revenue that is then shared with the North, further complicate the Sharia debate, making it even less feasible for the Southwest.
In his closing statement, the Imam made it clear that Sharia, as promoted by the North, would not succeed in Yorubaland and would only provoke a dangerous backlash.
“Sharia is an agenda pushed by the North. If we impose it, it will lead to war,” he concluded.
