Committee for Defence of Human Right, Ogun State, Mr. Anikulapo-Kuti Deoni has declared that the proposed implementation of Sharia law in the Southwest is unrealistic due to the region’s distinct culture and traditions.
Speaking at the NewsDirect webinar on Wednesday, on the “the proposed sharia Law in southwest: which way to go?” Deoni maintained that religion has already caused significant societal damage and should not be allowed to further disrupt the lives of the people.
“The Southwest is home to numerous cultures and traditions that have long guided our way of life. Importing a legal system from other parts of the world, such as Saudi Arabia, will not augur well for our people,” he said.
Deoni argued that Nigeria already has existing courts of competent jurisdiction, including customary courts, which align with the country’s legal framework.
He dismissed the notion that Sharia law would bring any positive change, citing the situation in northern states where it is being practiced.
“The northern states that have embraced Sharia have nothing enviable to show for it. Nigerians must not allow religion to destroy them. There are already many pressing issues in the Southwest that need urgent attention, and this idea should be discouraged,” he warned.
Questioning the rationale behind adopting Sharia, Deoni queried: “Is it the same law that allows 13-year-olds to marry or restricts women from fully exercising their rights that we want to embrace? Look at the North, has Sharia done them any good? This is all part of Usman Danfodio’s long-standing agenda to take over Nigeria with only Muslim worshippers, and it will not work here.”
He reiterated that the Southwest must remain steadfast in preserving its traditional values while addressing more pressing socio-economic challenges.
