Buhari’s Former Minister Reveals Condition To Introduce Sharia Law In Oyo

A former Minister of Communications in the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, Adebayo Shittu, has said he would introduce Sharia law in Oyo State if elected governor and if the people demand it.

Shittu made the statement during an interview on Naija Unfiltered, a podcast published by Symfoni, while responding to questions on recent debates surrounding the possible introduction of Sharia law in the South-West.

Reacting to concerns about the institutionalisation of Sharia law in the region, Shittu challenged the interviewer to explain how it would negatively affect Christians.

“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 cited alleged human rights abuses by Hisbah police in some northern states operating under Sharia law.

In response, Shittu accused critics of religious intolerance.

“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 said his decision would depend on the will of the people.

“If the people ask for it. Even the constitution says it should be established whenever it is demanded,” he said.

“It is open because the constitution allows it. I don’t run away from battles.”

Shittu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress who declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, insisted that Sharia law would not be imposed on non-Muslims.

“If there is Sharia in any community, no Christian can be forced to go under Sharia,” he added.

The comments come against the backdrop of controversies in 2024 over moves to establish Sharia arbitration panels in parts of the South-West.

The debate intensified in December 2024 when the Oyo State chapter of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria announced plans to set up a Sharia court in the state and surrounding areas.

The announcement sparked widespread backlash both online and offline, forcing the council to indefinitely suspend an event meant to inaugurate the panels.

Nigeria operates a plural legal system combining common law, customary law and Sharia law, reflecting its ethnic and religious diversity.

The constitution permits the establishment of Sharia and customary courts, particularly in civil matters, and several northern states have integrated Sharia law into their legal systems.