Introduction Of Sharia In Southwest Destabilization Plot – Pan Yoruba Groups

By Ayodele Oni

Notable Pan Yoruba groups have spoken against the introduction of Sharia in Yoruba territories.

There has been report that Sharia has birthed in Oyo and Ekiti States but government has reacted describing the report as untrue.

In a joint statement released at the weekend the groups described plot to introduce Sharia in the South West as a “grand illusion.”

It described it as a “preconceived act to destroy the agelong cultural, economic and political unity in Yorubaland” adding that the promoters from outside Yorubaland are looking to ensure “full circle instability in Nigeria having succeeded in some parts of the North.”

The statement, tagged “Historic Position of Pan Yoruba groups on Sharia” said Islam has contributed immensely to Yoruba civilisation since the 14th century having built the first Mosque at Oyo Ile in 1550 and has made tremendous contributions to the economic, education and industrial development of Yorubaland.

The groups however said faith in Yoruba history has always been a personal affair and not a state matter.

“On behalf of millions of Yoruba people across the world, we, members and leaders of Pan Yoruba groups representing artisans, workers, students, community based groups, traders, professionals and Self-determination groups spread across Yoruba territories in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Itsekiri areas of Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara and Kogi States, we speak on Sharia, its implications on the over 2000 year old civilisation of Yoruba people.

“We do not come as Christians, Muslims, Animists, Artiest or Traditional worshipers but as Yoruba created same way by Almighty God the creator of the universe bounded together by humanity seeking perpetuation of peace, love and progress of Yorubaland.”

The statement was signed by several groups representing artisans, students, women, self determination and civil society groups in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun,Edo, Delta, Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi and Osun states.

The groups said the current proposal, “by a tiny group of people, backed by largely non-Yoruba domestic and international collaborators pushing for the introduction of Sharia in Yorubaland is a dangerous dimension aimed at creating conflict and instability in Yorubaland.

“Yoruba Muslims are proud of the place of Islam in sustainable development in Yorubaland.

Islam has made significant contributions to the economic, social and spiritual development of Oodua territories.

“Through Islam, education, health and welfare have been promoted in Yorubaland. Islam came to Yorubaland in the 14th century during the reign of Mansa Musa (1312-1337). The first Mosque in Yorubaland was built at Oyo-Ile in 1550, followed by another Mosque in Iwo (1655), Iseyin, (1790), Lagos, (1774), Saki (1790) and Osogbo, (1889).

“We observe a conscious and tailor-made plot to destabilise Yorubaland through organised sponsorship of divisive, retrogressive and dangerous proposals that will end up causing confusion, disunity and raise the spectre of intra-Yoruba conflict to the delight of our eternal foes.

“We, the true representatives of Yoruba people hereby strongly oppose the introduction of Sharia in any part of Oduduwaland of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Kogi, Edo, Kwara and Ondo States. Sharia is not feasible and can never be acceptable to a multi-religious, multi-faith people like the Yoruba;

“Sharia is only applicable in societies where Islam is the State religion or majority of the people profess Islam.”

The groups said though proponents of Sharia claim the law is for only Muslims, but the contradictions are self evident.

“The Yoruba are bound by blood, history, common fear and shared aspirations, not by religion; How can any one in his right senses conceive Sharia law in a society where Muslim parents have Christian Children and Muslim husbands have Christian or even animist wives and vice versa?

“There are Yoruba Muslim parents whose children do not go to Mosque and Yoruba Christian parents whose children are Baba or Iyalawo.

“This freedom of faith which has enriched Yoruba civilisation for centuries is what religious extremists, rabid and riotous fanatics and religious anarchists, sponsored by international terrorists are desperate to destroy, fortunately, to their own peril, at the fullness of time.

“Having destabilised the North, the proponents want to destabilise the South West and uproot the very foundation of democracy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The intrigue is political, sponsored by vested interests, aimed at polarising the political and electoral fortunes of Yoruba Nation who for many Years have largely defined a common political future.”

They argied that no great nation would wish to have different laws for her own people of the same history and the same heritage.

“We, the true representatives of Yoruba people hereby strongly oppose any attempt, open or covert to introduce Sharia in any part of Oduduwaland of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Kogi, Edo, Kwara and Ondo States.

“We hereby warn religious bigots and extremists, including very naïve and shallow-minded political actors to desist from their evil plots or they will face the full wrath of Yoruba people.”