Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has taken a resolute stand in upholding the Nigerian Constitution, asserting its supremacy over any religious or alternative legal frameworks, including Shariah law.
This declaration comes in response to growing discussions surrounding the establishment of a Shariah court within the state, a proposal put forward by a religious group.
Governor Makinde, in a video shared by SaharaReporters on X, stated unequivocally that his administration will never permit any actions that contravene the secular nature of the Nigerian Constitution.
He emphasized that his primary responsibility as governor is to safeguard the principles enshrined in the constitution, which is the supreme law governing Nigeria.
"As a public official, I swore to uphold and defend the constitution," he declared, reiterating his unwavering commitment to his oath of office.
The controversy began with the Oyo State chapter of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria announcing plans to inaugurate a Shariah court in the state.
In a widely circulated flier, the council invited citizens from across the country to the proposed inauguration ceremony, initially scheduled for January 11, 2025.
The event was to take place at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, located on Oba Adeyemi High School Road in the Mobolaje area of Oyo town.
However, following public scrutiny and apparent pushback, the group announced an indefinite postponement of the inauguration.
Governor Makinde, addressing these developments, reaffirmed his position to ensure strict adherence to the Nigerian Constitution in dealing with the matter.
He stated that while calls for a Shariah court might arise, his administration's actions would always align with the provisions of the constitution.
“They have brought up the issue of Shariah in Oyo; they demanded the establishment of a Shariah court,” the governor said in his address.
“But I say that people may try. For me, in Oyo State, our law is the constitution of Nigeria, which is what I swore to uphold.”
He further clarified that any proposals or actions must fall within the bounds of constitutional legality.
“And if they are within the law, fine,” he continued. “But if they are not, they should expect that I will insist the law is being followed.”
Makinde’s comments reflect his administration’s determination to preserve the secular framework of governance in Oyo State and, by extension, Nigeria.
The Nigerian Constitution explicitly guarantees freedom of religion and upholds secularism as a fundamental principle of the state.
This principle, Makinde stressed, would not be compromised under his watch.
His stance underscores the delicate balance between religious freedom and adherence to the constitutional mandate in a multi-religious society like Nigeria.
The announcement by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria had sparked intense discussions among citizens, with opinions divided on the appropriateness of such a court within a constitutionally secular state.
For some, the establishment of a Shariah court represents a means of ensuring justice in accordance with their faith.
For others, it raises concerns about the potential erosion of the secular values upon which Nigeria is founded.
Governor Makinde’s firm position sends a clear message about the primacy of the Nigerian Constitution in resolving such matters.
While acknowledging the diverse religious beliefs of Oyo residents, he reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that governance in the state remains inclusive and constitutionally grounded.
His remarks have garnered attention beyond Oyo State, sparking a broader conversation about the intersection of religion and law in Nigeria.
As a nation with deep religious and cultural diversity, Nigeria continues to grapple with finding harmony between its constitutional mandates and the religious aspirations of its citizens.
Governor Makinde’s approach reflects a determination to navigate these complexities while maintaining the integrity of the legal and constitutional framework.
He reiterated that his administration’s actions would always be guided by the rule of law, ensuring that no group or individual operates outside the boundaries of the constitution.
Makinde’s decisive response to the Shariah court proposal serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by leaders in upholding constitutional principles in the face of diverse societal pressures.
It also highlights the ongoing need for dialogue and understanding among Nigeria’s religious and political stakeholders.
As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen how the proposed Shariah court issue will be resolved within the context of Oyo State’s governance and Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
For now, Governor Makinde’s message is clear: the Nigerian Constitution remains the ultimate authority in Oyo State, and any actions taken must align with its provisions.
This steadfast commitment to constitutional adherence sets a tone for governance in Oyo and reinforces the broader values of secularism and rule of law in Nigeria.
With his declaration, Makinde has positioned himself as a defender of constitutional integrity, a role that comes with both challenges and responsibilities in a diverse and complex society.
As citizens await further developments, the governor’s firm stance underscores the importance of upholding the principles that unite Nigeria as a constitutional democracy.
In a time of heightened sensitivity to issues of religion and governance, Makinde’s leadership offers a critical perspective on maintaining balance and ensuring justice for all citizens under the law.
Comments