In a dramatic and fiercely worded declaration, several leading Pan-Yoruba organisations have raised alarm over an alleged plot to introduce Sharia law in Nigeria’s southwestern states, describing it as a carefully orchestrated attempt to destabilise the region and stir conflict among its people.
The groups, which include influential figures such as Tajudeen Olowo of the Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM) and Olu Sulaiman of the O’odua Nationalist Coalition (ONAC), have called for immediate action to prevent any form of Sharia imposition in Yoruba-speaking regions. According to their statement, such efforts are part of a broader scheme designed to provoke internal strife and weaken the unity of the Yoruba people.
A Divisive Agenda
The groups vehemently oppose the introduction of Sharia in any part of Yorubaland, stressing that it is not only incompatible with the region’s multi-faith and multi-ethnic makeup but also a retrogressive move that will fuel disunity. Their statement specifically targets states such as Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and others within the southwest, warning against any efforts to impose religious-based governance.
“We, the true representatives of the Yoruba people, hereby strongly oppose the introduction of Sharia in any part of Oduduwa land, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Kogi, Edo, Kwara, and Ondo states,” the statement declared. “Sharia is not feasible and can never be acceptable to a multi-religious, multi-faith people like the Yoruba.”
The groups highlighted that Sharia is applicable only in societies where Islam is the dominant or state religion. They pointed out that Yorubaland, renowned for its economic prosperity and cultural diversity, has flourished through a blend of various religious practices, including Islam, Christianity, and indigenous traditions—not through theocratic rule.
A Crisis of Leadership, Not Religion
Drawing a direct correlation between the introduction of Sharia and the socio-economic challenges faced by northern states, the Yoruba leaders rejected the idea that Sharia could solve the region’s pressing issues. They argued that the poverty, lack of access to education, and political disenfranchisement that plague the north are symptoms of failed governance and not a reflection of the region’s religious landscape.
“The poverty and corruption in Sharia-ruled states like Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto are staggering,” said Dr. Kola Afolabi of The Covenant Group. “Zamfara, for example, has a 74% poverty rate, with 62% of its population living in extreme poverty. Sokoto, the heart of the Caliphate, has the highest poverty rate in Nigeria, yet the political elite in these states remain some of the wealthiest individuals in the country.”
The groups pointed out that the introduction of Sharia in the northern states has not only failed to alleviate poverty but has also exacerbated violence and instability. They cited ongoing conflicts, terrorism, and human rights abuses in these regions as evidence of Sharia’s failure to provide social stability.
A Political Plot to Divide the Southwest
Beyond religious concerns, the Yoruba leaders also see the push for Sharia as a politically motivated move to weaken the Yoruba nation’s collective voice and divide its people. They suspect that vested political interests are behind this alleged agenda, seeking to polarize the electorate and create tensions within the Yoruba community, particularly as the region plays a pivotal role in national politics.
“The introduction of Sharia is not about religion; it is a political maneuver aimed at polarizing the Yoruba people,” said Bashorun Kunle Adesokan, leader of the Federation for Yoruba Consciousness and Culture (FYCC). “This is a deliberate attempt to destabilize the southwest and undermine the unity of the Yoruba people. The perpetrators want to sow discord, ensuring that the Yoruba cannot unite politically.”
The groups argue that such a move would set a dangerous precedent for the rest of Nigeria and further fragment the nation along religious and regional lines. They also warned that any attempt to impose Sharia would be met with strong opposition from the people of Yorubaland.
A Call for Unity and Vigilance
The Yoruba leaders have called for unity among all Yoruba people, urging them to stand together against this “evil plot.” They have also issued a stern warning to those they believe are behind the push for Sharia, including “religious bigots and extremists,” and threatened that they would face the full wrath of the Yoruba people should they attempt to destabilize the region.
“The Yoruba people are united in their opposition to Sharia,” the groups affirmed. “We warn all those involved in this divisive scheme to desist immediately or face the consequences.”
This call to action reflects the longstanding unity of purpose that has characterized the Yoruba people, especially in their resistance to external threats and political manipulation. Historically, the Yoruba have been known for their pragmatic approach to governance and their ability to unite across religious and cultural lines for the collective good.
The Unanswered Questions
However, despite the clear opposition from these prominent Yoruba groups, questions remain about the source and scope of the alleged Sharia campaign. While no specific evidence has yet emerged linking any political or religious group to the plot, the warnings from these leaders signal growing anxiety over the future of the southwest.
As the debate over Sharia’s place in Nigerian governance continues, the Yoruba people are left to grapple with the complex intersection of religion, politics, and regional unity. Whether or not the introduction of Sharia becomes a reality in the southwest remains to be seen, but the strong opposition from the Yoruba leadership is certain to influence the direction of the conversation in the coming months.
