The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has strongly opposed any attempt to introduce Sharia law in the Southwest, stating that it is foreign to Yoruba culture and religious beliefs.
Speaking at the 2025 Oodua Festival held at Enuwa Square in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Wednesday, Adams warned that the push for Sharia in Yoruba land is an attempt by religious extremists to destabilize the region.
“Sharia law is alien to our culture and religious beliefs in Yoruba land,” he declared. “Those religious fanatics masquerading as Muslims should stay away from acts that could set Yoruba land on fire.”
Adams compared Nigeria to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that while Saudi Arabia is an Islamic kingdom where Sharia aligns with religious teachings and is widely accepted, Nigeria is a secular nation with a constitution that guarantees freedom of religion.
“Saudi Arabia is a good example of an Islamic kingdom that practices Sharia law according to the Holy Quran,” he explained. “The Saudis adhere strictly to the law and are happy because it aligns with their religious beliefs. However, Nigeria is a secular nation where the constitution allows every citizen to practice whatever religion they believe in freely without any intimidation.”
Beyond his stance on Sharia, Adams also expressed deep concern over rising insecurity in the Southwest, particularly the infiltration of terrorist groups such as the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP). He urged both the federal and state governments to take urgent action against these threats.
“We have seen the increasing presence of ISWAP in the Southwest, and it is a cause for serious concern,” he said. “The government must intensify efforts to tackle insecurity in the region before it escalates further.”
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Adams also reiterated the commitment of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) to working with other security groups to protect Yoruba land from external threats.
“The OPC is ready to partner with other security groups to curb this menace,” he assured.
The 2025 Oodua Festival, where Adams made these statements, is an annual event celebrating Yoruba culture and heritage. This year’s edition drew prominent traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts, and stakeholders from across the region.
With increasing debates around religious laws and security threats in Nigeria, Adams’ remarks have sparked fresh conversations about the need to safeguard the Southwest from influences that may disrupt its cultural and religious harmony.