Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has addressed concerns regarding the potential implementation of Sharia Law in parts of the South-West, including Oyo State, clarifying that his administration will not oppose any initiative that aligns with the Constitution.
This statement followed a media report suggesting that the Oyo State Government might challenge the proposal in court. Governor Makinde emphasized that members of the public are free to approach the Sharia Panel if they wish, describing it as a possible alternative dispute resolution mechanism. However, he reaffirmed that the courts remain constitutionally empowered to resolve all disputes and that his administration will strictly adhere to constitutional provisions.
Speaking at the 2025 Iftar Programme organized by the Oyo State Government—marking the sixth edition since he assumed office in 2019—the governor highlighted his commitment to fostering religious harmony and unity in the state. The event took place at the frontage of the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde further stressed that his administration is determined to promote peace and would not tolerate any attempts to sow discord within the state.
n elections, including causing religious disharmony, his government has remained focused on developing the state sustainably for the good of its residents and future generations.
“I read in the newspaper that I would go to Court for interpretation on the Sharia Panel, which is ongoing in Oyo. That is not my position,” Makinde was quoted to have said in a statement released by the Oyo State government.
“My position is that we will support anything that is in our Constitution. I made a statement when Muslims in Southwestern Nigeria (MUSWEN) came to my office that we should not encourage discord among ourselves no matter how little.
“The interpretation on my own side is that, even in our families, it is not every issue we take to court. When people have disagreements, the elders in the family try to settle the dispute.
“So, on this particular Sharia Panel, whoever wants to patronise it and feels it is an alternative dispute mechanism, it is okay. It will help the government and ensure that the cases going to our judges are reduced.
“We will encourage alternative dispute resolution mechanism and the only thing I can say is that if it is something to be enforced or that needs more clarity, you still have the court, which is recognised by the Constitution.
“We have all lived together peacefully and as we move towards the next election, there will be elements that only think about the next election. But what we have done in this administration is to think about the next generation.
“This is the reason that after three years into this government, we sat down and thought we should rehabilitate our roads. Before now, previous administrations would come in, patch the roads but during raining seasons, they get destroyed again.
“In our own estimation, we observed that most of these roads are 50 years old to 60 years old. So, we said we would scrape them, reconstruct them so that for the next 30 years, nobody would do anything on them.
“So, as we move towards the next election, let us be vigilant. People will come with all sorts. But I know that your prayers will see us through. Oyo State would never go back to the era of ‘do or die’ politics.”
The statement added that Governor Makinde appreciated the Islamic faithful in the state for their prayers, support and cooperation towards his administration, noting that these had resulted in tremendous progress and growth.
He equally thanked the legislators, the judiciary and the people of the state for their cooperation, just as he commended all the service chiefs for their good work in keeping the state safe and secure.
The governor charged everyone not to encourage disunity that could truncate the peaceful atmosphere in the state.