The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), a prominent Islamic human rights organization, has called for constitutional amendments to establish Sharia Courts across all six states in Nigeria’s South-West region Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti as well as in Edo State. The group also urged the National Assembly to declare Fridays as public holidays nationwide to accommodate Muslim worship practices.
MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, presented these demands during the South-West Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution. Represented by Dr. Jamiu Busari, the group argued that despite a significant Muslim population in the South-West, no Sharia Courts currently exist there, a situation they say contradicts the pre-colonial Yoruba governance system where Islamic legal institutions played a key role.
The proposed Sharia Courts would handle Muslim personal law matters exclusively, ensuring non-Muslims are not affected. MURIC also called for constitutional provisions mandating state governors to establish Sharia Courts of Appeal in these states. In addition, the group highlighted the need for official recognition of Islamic marriage certificates (Nikkah), criticizing the current legal framework that favors Christian marriages for official purposes.
These demands aim to enhance inclusiveness, protect Muslim rights in the South-West, and reflect the region’s religious diversity. The Senate Committee on Constitutional Review has assured that all submissions will be thoroughly considered as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.