The Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement has criticized Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III’s recent suggestion to impose Sharia law in Yorubaland, calling it “disrespectful.” In a statement signed by their leader, Professor Banji Akintoye, the group argued that there are no Islamic requirements for Yoruba Muslims to recognize the Sultan as their leader.
The statement also refuted the Sultan’s claim that Yoruba people are denying Yoruba Muslims their religious rights, labeling it a “falsehood.” The movement urged the Fulani community to rethink their approach to religious and political issues in Nigeria, warning against the dangers of their “born-to-rule” mindset and emphasizing the importance of respecting other groups.
The statement included the following: “We Yoruba people have noted your public statement made through Imam Haroun Eze, following the unsuccessful attempt to establish Sharia Courts in Oyo and Ekiti States. Since your spokesperson has made your position known, we feel compelled to respond publicly.
“The Sultan’s spokesperson framed the Sultan’s message to the Yoruba as if he were an overlord. The statement implied that Yoruba people must accept Sharia as dictated by the Sultan. While we hold the Sultan in high regard as a traditional leader, as our own Obas are vital to our Yoruba nation, we must clarify our stance due to the Sultan’s approach.
“The Sultan’s message suggests he is the head of Islam in Nigeria. However, while Yoruba Muslims are devoted to Allah and honor the Prophet Mohammed, many do not recognize the Sultan as their leader. There is no Islamic doctrine that requires Yoruba Muslims to accept the Sultan of Sokoto as their leader. All Yoruba people, regardless of their faith, have their own traditional rulers, who are highly esteemed across Africa, with the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo being the most prominent among them.”
