The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi, has supported the introduction of Shari’ah law in the South-West, stating it aligns with Yoruba traditions.
Amid backlash over a postponed Sharia council inauguration in Oyo State, Oba Akanbi argued that Shari’ah has existed in Iwo for over a century, and applies only to Muslims, focusing on issues like marriage and inheritance.
The monarch called attention to the presence of Shari’ah-compliant banking systems in the South-West and noted that Sharia law is enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.
He explained that its application is strictly for Muslims, focusing on matters such as inheritance, marriage, and divorce, which, he argued, are often misunderstood under Western legal frameworks.
While the monarch emphasised that Shari’ah law does not infringe on non-Muslims’ rights, his comments have sparked debate, with some traditional leaders warning it could disrupt regional harmony.
