Oyo State chapter of some Muslim groups have called on the Governor Abiola Ajimobi to establish Sharia courts in the state.
Head of groups such as Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) and the Oyo State Muslim Community (MUSCOYS) made this call on the occasion of the 2018/2019 legal year celebration of the Oyo State judiciary held at Central Mosque, Oja-Oba, Ibadan, on Thursday.
In their various remarks, Professor Noibi Dawud of MUSWEN and Mr Kunle Sanni of MUSCOYS said it was high time Oyo State joined the comity of states which had Sharia court.
They argued that several Muslims in the South West had over the years underscored their well-known resolve to also have the Islamic legal system adopted by state governments in the geopolitical zone.
Responding to the call, Secretary to the State Government, Mr Olalekan Alli said he will deliver the message to the state governor while urging the Muslim groups not to adopt forceful measures to drive home their demand.
Speaking further, Alli, who represented Ajimobi at the event, stressed the need for the judiciary to be fair and credible in adjudicating over election disputes, as the 2019 general election approached.
He also tasked the judiciary to awaken citizens to the need to pay tax so as to enable government live up to public expectations.
Guest lecturer at the event, Professor Kamil Oloso urged Muslims to help rid the society of corruption by speaking out against evil deeds and encouraging people to do good.
In his lecture entitled, “The Effects of Corruption on the society: Role of the Elite”, Oloso called for the active involvement of Muslims of goodwill on partisan politics so as to correct the ills in the society.
Oloso, represented by Dr Kazeem Omofoyewa of the department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, urged political leaders, judicial officials to be God-conscious, just and fair in carrying out their responsibilities.
He said the federal, state and local government will go a long way in creating a corrupt-free environment by prompt payment of salaries, pension benefits, reducing the expensive nature of government and expunging immunity from the nation’s constitution.
Oloso bemoaned the loss of transparency, accountability, probity in government, and prayed for the revival of religious, ethical values and emulation of leadership qualities of Allah.
In their remarks, Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Ibadan branch, Dr John Akintayo; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Dawud Makanjuola harped on the importance of speedy dispensation of justice, while bearing in mind that the judiciary remained the last hope of the masses.
Other personalities at the event were the Chief Judge, Munta Abimbola; Chief Imam of Ibadan land, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakri; Islamic clerics: men and women of the bar.
(Nigerian Tribune)
