The Oyo State government has declared its intention to challenge the establishment of a Sharia panel in Oyo town, arguing that it violates constitutional provisions.
Governor Seyi Makinde's administration maintains that only the state or federal government has the legal authority to establish judicial bodies. 

Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, reiterated this stance, responding to reports that the panel has begun operations at the Central Mosque in Akesan, Oyo. 

"The governor has always emphasized constitutional adherence. If there's a legal basis for this panel, we'll test it in court. However, we believe it lacks legitimacy," Olanrewaju stated. 

He stressed that judicial panels must have official state backing to operate lawfully. 

Dr. Rafiu Bello, Chairman of the Oyo Land Sharia Committee, confirmed that the panel is active, convening every Thursday to handle marital, inheritance, and land disputes. 

He asserted that Nigerian law allows for Sharia application and that the panel serves Muslims voluntarily seeking resolution under Islamic principles. Similar panels, he noted, are already functioning in Ogbomoso, Kisi, Saki, and Ibadan. 

Initially, the Supreme Council for Shari'ah in Nigeria had suspended the panel's inauguration in January after public opposition. However, Bello revealed that its proceedings have now commenced discreetly. 

Reacting to the situation, Rev. Joshua Akinyemiju, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo State, expressed surprise, stating that the panel's establishment had been postponed indefinitely due to earlier protests. 

"If they have resumed in secret, we will investigate," he said.

Source: https://saharareporters.com/2025/03/25/oyo-state-sharia-panel-begins-sitting-governor-makinde-goes-court-challenge-legality