“Beat Them Mercilessly”? Fresh Outrage as Mufti of Iwo Defends Sharia Push in Oyo, Sparks Heated Debate Across Southwest
The growing controversy surrounding the proposed establishment of a Sharia panel in Oyo State has continued to generate intense reactions across Nigeria, especially after a viral statement credited to the Mufti of Iwo, Sheikh Dawood Imran Molaasan, surfaced online.
In the now widely circulated video, the Islamic cleric reportedly lashed out at critics opposing the introduction of Sharia-related structures in Oyo State, warning that anyone speaking publicly against it could face severe consequences. According to multiple reports, the cleric declared that Sharia councils would not only hold in Oyo State but could also spread to Osun State in the future.
The statement has since triggered sharp debates among religious groups, political observers, civil society organizations, and residents of the Southwest, many of whom fear that the issue could deepen religious and ethnic tensions in the region.
Critics of the proposal argue that introducing Sharia institutions into states like Oyo could create unnecessary division in a region historically known for religious tolerance and coexistence between Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers. Some opponents have described the idea as politically sensitive and potentially capable of igniting avoidable social conflict.
Supporters of the Sharia initiative, however, insist that what is being proposed is not a compulsory religious legal system for all residents, but rather an alternative dispute resolution mechanism intended specifically for willing Muslims. They argue that Sharia panels already exist in several parts of Nigeria and are protected under constitutional rights relating to freedom of religion and association.
The debate became even more intense after Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde addressed the matter publicly. Makinde clarified that his administration would only support actions consistent with the Nigerian Constitution. He explained that alternative dispute resolution mechanisms already exist in many forms and that citizens who choose such options voluntarily should not automatically be criminalized or demonized.
The governor also warned against attempts to use religion as a political weapon ahead of future elections, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and unity within Oyo State. According to him, the state government would never permit actions capable of causing religious violence or public disorder.
Nigeria’s relationship with Sharia law has remained controversial for decades. Since 1999, several northern states have adopted expanded versions of Sharia law, especially in Muslim-majority areas. While supporters view it as an expression of Islamic identity and moral order, critics have repeatedly raised concerns about human rights, religious freedom, and its broader social implications.
In many northern states where strict Sharia systems operate, insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and violent extremism have remained serious national concerns. However, analysts often caution against making simplistic conclusions that directly blame Sharia law alone for those problems, noting that governance failures, corruption, weak institutions, terrorism, and economic inequality are also major contributing factors.
Still, the emotional reactions coming from many Southwest residents reflect fears that introducing religious legal structures into the region could gradually alter its long-standing secular and pluralistic identity.
The Mufti’s alleged threat-filled remarks have particularly angered many Nigerians because of the aggressive tone used against dissenting voices. Several Yoruba groups and commentators have condemned the language as inflammatory and capable of escalating tensions unnecessarily.
Others, however, believe the public conversation has become heavily politicized, with both supporters and opponents using emotional rhetoric instead of encouraging constructive constitutional dialogue.
Beyond the religious arguments, the controversy also reflects a deeper national anxiety about identity, regional autonomy, political influence, and the future direction of Nigeria’s democracy.
As reactions continue to pour in, many observers believe political and religious leaders must act carefully to prevent the issue from degenerating into wider ethnic or religious hostility.
For now, the conversation around Sharia in Oyo State remains one of the most divisive socio-political discussions in the Southwest, exposing the fragile balance between constitutional rights, religious freedom, public sensitivity, and national unity.
0 Comments