The Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Ridwanullah Jamiu, has called on Muslims to reject any governorship candidate who refuses to commit to establishing Shariah courts in the state. The Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU), founded in July 1999, is an umbrella organisation for all Muslims in the Lekki Peninsula area of Lagos State, Nigeria.
During his Jumu’ah sermon at the Lekki Central Mosque on Friday, he urged Muslims in the South West to ensure that any gubernatorial candidate in the 2027 elections commits to establishing Sharia Courts, which would cater exclusively to Muslims.
While addressing concerns over opposition to Sharia panels in some south-western states, Sheikh Jamiu emphasised that these courts are intended solely for Muslims, and non-Muslims have no involvement in their affairs.
He further elaborated that the Nigerian Constitution recognizes Shariah citing sections 38 and 40, which guarantee freedom of religion and association, respectively.
Dr. Jamiu also addressed concerns about Shariah panels, stating that they serve as Alternative Disputes Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. “Section 177 allows any state to establish Shariah courts, which will adjudicate on marriage, divorce, custody of children, property law, inheritance, wills, and other civil matters,” he added.
The Imam emphasized that Shariah courts are essential in Yoruba land and should be established in all Southwest states. “We have Shariah courts in the North, and it has not caused any harm to non-Muslims. It is not the business of non-Muslims; it is meant for Muslims alone,” he said.
Dr. Jamiu added: “It is time we assert our constitutional rights. Shariah court in the South west states is long overdue. Any candidate who refuses to commit himself into establishing a sharia court in your state, don’t vote for him.
According to Dr. Jamiu, Shariah courts are necessary in Yoruba land and should be established in all Southwest states. He emphasized that Shariah courts are exclusively for Muslims and have caused no harm to non-Muslims in the northern regions.
He further explained that Section 277 of the constitution permits any state to establish Sharia Courts, but only for Islamic personal law matters such as marriage, divorce, child custody, inheritance, and wills.
He argued that Sharia Courts should be established in all Yoruba states, including Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, and Ondo, to serve the significant Muslim population in the region.
He urged Muslims to educate anyone opposing Sharia Courts, as such opposition is often based on a lack of understanding.
He concluded by urging Muslims to assert their constitutional rights during elections: “Any candidate who refuses to commit to establishing Shariah courts in your state, don’t vote for him.”
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