By our Reporter
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has expressed strong support for implementing Shari’ah law in Nigeria’s South-West region, emphasising that it has long been a part of Yoruba culture.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the Osun monarch argued that Shari’ah law addresses key issues affecting Muslims, particularly in areas like marriage and inheritance, which he believes Western legal systems often fail to handle appropriately.
Oba Akanbi also highlighted how Shari’ah principles are already woven into various aspects of daily life, such as Islamic banking.
According to him, “We have Shari’ah-compliant banks in the South-West, operating under Islamic laws. In Iwo, Shari’ah has existed for over a century, and there’s even a Shari’ah college here. Muslims have the constitutional right to choose between customary law and the high court.
“Western systems don’t fully grasp Muslim practices in these areas. Shari’ah is part of Nigeria’s constitution and thrives in the North. Wherever Muslims are, Shari’ah is present.Anyone can convert to Islam, just as Muslims can convert to Christianity. Shari’ah doesn’t threaten other religions, and no government can deny Muslims their fundamental rights.”
