Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to upholding the Nigerian Constitution amid discussions surrounding the establishment of a Shariah court in the state.
In a video shared on X and viewed by the Newsrida team, Governor Makinde emphasized that his administration would not permit any actions that contravene the secular principles enshrined in the nation’s Constitution.
Governor Makinde stated, “They have brought up the issue of Shariah in Oyo; they demanded the establishment of a Shariah court. I say that people may try, but for me, in Oyo State, our law is the Constitution of Nigeria, which is what I swore to uphold. And if they are within the law, fine. But if they are not, they should expect that I will insist the law is being followed.”
The governor’s remarks come in response to reports that the Oyo State chapter of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria had announced plans to inaugurate a Shariah court. A flier circulated widely earlier in the week invited participants nationwide to the court’s inauguration ceremony, initially scheduled for January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre in Oyo Town.
However, the group later postponed the inauguration indefinitely, prompting further scrutiny of the proposed initiative.
Governor Makinde reiterated that while citizens have the right to express their views, his primary responsibility is to uphold the Constitution, the highest law of the land. He stressed that as an elected official, he is sworn to protect and defend the principles and provisions that guide the nation’s governance.
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The governor’s firm stance underscores his administration’s commitment to ensuring that all activities within Oyo State align with the rule of law and respect the secular nature of Nigeria’s legal framework.
