Yoruba youths kick against introduction of Sharia law in South-West region
A coalition of Yoruba Youths, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, have rejected the proposed introduction of Sharia law or establishment of Sharia courts in the South-West region of Nigeria.
This stance was expressed in a joint statement by the Yoruba National Youth Leader (Diaspora), Prophet Ayodele Ologunloluwa, and the Homebase Leader, Comrade Oyegunle Oluwamayowa Omotoyole, who affirmed their readiness to defend Yoruba ancestral land against any form of destabilisation, including efforts to impose Sharia law.
The joint statements followed reports that the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter) plans to inaugurate a Sharia court in Oyo town on January 11, 2025.
The event is slated to occur at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje area, Agbogangan, Oyo.
The statement declared: “We will resist any move to impose Sharia law or courts in Yorubaland. Yoruba culture and traditions are distinct, and any attempt to introduce alien laws will be met with fierce opposition.”
Describing the proposal as “laughable,” the group vowed to mobilize resistance if the plan moves forward.
“We warn the Nigerian government not to create divisions in Yorubaland. Our focus is on Yoruba Nation self-determination, and we will not allow any external influence to derail our struggle.”
Quoting Yoruba leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo, they reiterated their resolve: “Instead of a Yoruba man prostrating for a Hausa-Fulani, it is better to take courage and die.”
The youths demanded the immediate withdrawal of the plans. They called on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, South-West governors, Yoruba monarchs, senators, and other leaders to reject the proposal and safeguard Yoruba cultural heritage.
“We will not allow any attempt to disrupt the peace of Yorubaland under the guise of religious imposition.”
“We reject any effort to entrench practices that undermine our faith, values, and identity. We will resist this agenda with all our might.”
“No force on earth or in hell can stop the rise of a sovereign Yoruba state.”
Source: Vanguard newspaper
