A recent video featuring the Mufti of Iwo, Sheikh Dawood, Malaasan, has stirred public discourse across Yoruba States, following the introduction of Shari’ah Court in Oyo State.
In the video, the cleric passionately defended the establishment of a Shari’ah court in Oyo State, and issued warnings to those opposing the initiative. The Sheikh is heard making inflammatory statements, saying: “To those of you in Oyo State who dare oppose the Shari’ah court, you should know that your mothers were not born well to have given birth to you. You can go to your shrine to express your opinions; but if you publicly speak out against the Sharia court, we will unleash a flood of consequences upon you”.
Sheikh Malaasan’s comments extended beyond Oyo State, as he revealed plans to introduce a Shari’ah council in Osun State, emphasising that such initiatives would persist even if the Yoruba region became independent. “We are not using Shari’ah on non-muslims, but only Shar’iah law in the Nigerian Constitution, which everyone agreed on. Even if Yoruba split, we will still ask for Shari’ah law”, he stressed.
“Be expecting Shari’ah Council in Osun too; it is underway”, he declared.
The video has since drawn mixed reactions from the public. While dome view it as an assertion of religious freedom and constitutional rights for Muslims, others criticise it as divisive and potentially inflammatory.
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde had addressed the controversy, emphasising that any establishment of a Shari’ah court must align with the Constitution. “If it is against the Constitution, it will not be allowed to stand”, he had stated.
