I’ll Introduce Sharia Law In Oyo If Demanded —Bayo Shittu

Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has said he would introduce Sharia law in Oyo State if elected governor in 2027, provided it is the will of the people.

Shittu stated this during an interview on Naija Unfiltered, a podcast produced by Symfoni, where he was asked to react to the ongoing debate surrounding attempts to establish Sharia arbitration panels in some South-West states.

Responding to concerns over the implications of institutionalising Sharia law in the region, Shittu questioned why Christians should feel threatened by its existence.

“Let me ask you, how does Sharia law, if institutionalised, affect you as a Christian? How does it affect you negatively?” he asked.

The interviewer, however, cited alleged human rights violations by Hisbah operatives in some northern states as a basis for opposition to Sharia law.

Reacting, Shittu accused critics of religious intolerance, insisting that Nigeria’s constitution already provides for the establishment of Sharia courts where they are demanded.

“The constitution guarantees freedom of religion. You are talking out of intolerance for religion. You are very intolerant,” he said.

Asked directly whether he would introduce Sharia law if elected governor of Oyo State in 2027, Shittu replied in the affirmative, stressing that such a move would only be based on popular demand.

“If the people ask for it. Even the constitution says it should be established whenever it is demanded. It is open because the constitution allows it. I don’t run away from battles,” he said.

He further argued that Sharia law does not impose obligations on non-Muslims, adding that Christians cannot be compelled to submit to Sharia provisions in any community where it exists.

“A lot of people oppose Sharia, like you, out of intolerance. That is the truth. If there is Sharia in any community, no Christian can be forced to go under Sharia,” he added.

The Sharia debate in the South-West intensified in December 2024 when the Oyo State chapter of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSIN) announced plans to establish Sharia courts in the state and neighbouring areas.

The announcement triggered widespread backlash across religious and civic groups, prompting the council to indefinitely suspend the planned inauguration of the arbitration panels.

Nigeria operates a plural legal system combining common law, customary law and Islamic (Sharia) law, reflecting the country’s ethnic and religious diversity. While Sharia law is predominantly practised in several northern states, its application in the South-West has remained contentious.

Shittu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently declared his intention to contest the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, describing himself as the most qualified aspirant for the position.