SAHARA REPORTERS
The United Kingdom (UK) and Europe branch of Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, otherwise known as UK Afenifere, has rejected clamour for the establishment of the Sharia Law in the South-West region of Nigeria.
The group cautioned those clamouring for the establishment of Sharia law in the South-West to immediately desist from such act to avoid disunity amongst the Yoruba people.
In a press statement issued on Monday in London by the Secretary of the group, Engr. Anthony Ajayi, the group said Yoruba people are too intelligent and enlightened to be gaslighted along religious divides.
Ajayi stated that the inauguration of a Sharia court scheduled for January 11, 2025 at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oba Adeyemo High School Road in Oyo State should not be used to introduce Sharia law into South-West of Nigeria.
He added that the predominantly Yoruba South-West is distinct from the Northern region where Muslims are the majority.
While appealing to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and Yoruba leaders not to fold their hands and allow Sharia law in South-West region, Afenifere said they foresee a dangerous move by those pushing the agenda to invade Yoruba land to disrupt the peaceful co-existence of the different religions in the region.
Ajayi stated, “The group called on all the Yorubas at home in the diaspora to unite against the move being targeted to destroy the South-Western region in the name of Sharia law.
“We cannot allow Sharia law in our region. We already have enough challenges to deal with in our region. Besides, Muslims are not the majority in the region. We have been living together from time immemorial in peace and unity.
“We have Muslims, Christians and traditionalists in our families, some living together in the same house without any discrimination or disunity.
“We will not allow anything to interrupt our existing relationship. Moreso, why not develop our customary courts instead of bringing an idea that may distract us from having solutions to our economic challenges?
“Anyone clamouring for Sharia law in the South-West is plotting an agenda that will not stand.
“We call on all the South-West Governors to unite against this plot irrespective of political parties. We equally call on our traditional rulers to rise up to protect the Yoruba land.
“We are peace loving people but the idea of Sharia law in the region might spark up violence because it is a religious establishment.
“Religion has been a tool of destruction in the hands of bad people in Nigeria. This should not be allowed in the South-West, not now, not ever.
“We are aware that some of our people are already in support of the idea due to religious affiliation but we appeal to them to reason beyond religious sentiment and desist from supporting it. We condemn and reject the move completely.”
Connect with us on our socials: