The Yoruba Nation Youths, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, have strongly opposed plans to introduce Sharia law or establish Sharia courts in the South-West region of Nigeria.
This stance was expressed in a joint statement by the Yoruba National Youth Leader (Diaspora), Prophet Ayodele Ologunloluwa, and the Homebase Leader, Comrade Oyegunle Oluwamayowa Omotoyole.
The group affirmed their readiness to defend Yoruba ancestral land against any form of destabilization, including efforts to impose Sharia law. Their statement followed reports that the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter) plans to inaugurate a Sharia court in Oyo town on January 11, 2025.
The event is slated to take place at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje area, Agbogangan, Oyo.
The statement declared: “We will resist any move to impose Sharia law or courts in Yorubaland. Yoruba culture and traditions are distinct, and any attempt to introduce alien laws will be met with fierce opposition.”
Describing the proposal as “laughable,” the group vowed to mobilize resistance if the plan moves forward.
“We warn the Nigerian government not to create divisions in Yorubaland. Our focus is on Yoruba Nation self-determination, and we will not allow any external influence to derail our struggle.”
Quoting Yoruba leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo, they reiterated their resolve: “Instead of a Yorubaman prostrating for a Hausa-Fulani, it is better to take courage and die.”
The youths demanded the immediate withdrawal of the plans and called on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, South-West governors, Yoruba monarchs, senators, and other leaders to reject the proposal and safeguard Yoruba cultural heritage.
They emphasized that Sharia law is incompatible with Yoruba values, culture, and way of life.
“We will not allow any attempt to disrupt the peace of Yorubaland under the guise of religious imposition.”
Expressing concern about potential destabilization and the rise of extremist activities, the group stated:
“We reject any effort to entrench practices that undermine our faith, values, and identity. We will resist this agenda with all our might.”
The Yoruba Nation Youths also reaffirmed their commitment to establishing an independent Yoruba Nation, free from oppression.
“No force on earth or in hell can stop the rise of a sovereign Yoruba state.”
They urged Yoruba citizens to remain vigilant and ready to defend their land from any external influence or imposition.
