Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Muslim Affairs, has called for the creation of a Sharia Court of Appeal in Southwestern Nigeria. He made the appeal while speaking at the Conference of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta, held in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
Oloyede emphasized that the sizable Muslim population in the Southwest justifies the establishment of a Sharia Court of Appeal to address Islamic legal matters such as marriage, inheritance, and personal law, in accordance with Nigeria’s constitution.
“It is our constitutional right to have a Sharia Court of Appeal. Several states already have them, and with the growing Muslim community in the Southwest, it’s time for state assemblies to take action,” Oloyede stated. He clarified that the court would not deal with criminal law but focus solely on civil matters relating to Islamic law.
Oloyede also defended the right of Muslim students to wear hijabs, arguing that practicing Islam should not be compromised by pursuing Western education. He urged the Muslim community to preserve Islamic culture and remain united.
During the event, Sheik Jamiu Kewulere, President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas, called for unity among Muslims, while Sarafa Tunji Isola, former high commissioner to the UK, emphasized that unity would help reduce conflicts and foster societal development.
