The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has expressed displeasure after the Sultan of Sokoto displayed his support for the establishment of Sharia in the Southwest.

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the Sultan, on Wednesday lamented the resistance mounted against the establishment of a Sharia panel in Ekiti State.

The NSCIA also lamented that the resistance occurred barely two weeks after the announcement on the inauguration of a Shariah panel in Oyo State generated “unnecessary anxiety” thereby leading to its indefinite postponement.

The council said it is particularly disturbed about the high spate of intolerance and disregard for the rights of Muslims, especially in the southern part of the country.

It urged leaders in the Southwest to not deprive Muslims of their right, just as it backed the establishment of Sharia in the region.

Speaking at the 2025 Oodua festival, held at Enuwa Square, Ile-Ife, Osun state, on Wednesday, Adams stressed that the introduction of Sharia is aimed at destabilising the Yoruba land by religious fanatics and fundamentalists.

He revealed that Saudi Arabia is a good example of an Islamic kingdom that practises Sharia law according to the Holy Quran. The Saudis also adhere strictly to the law,and they are happy because Sharia law is in tandem with their religious beliefs and teachings.

“However, Nigeria is a secular nation where the constitution allows every citizen to practise whatever religion they believe in freely without any intimidation.

“Sharia law is alien to our culture and religious beliefs in Yoruba land, therefore those religious fanatics masquerading as Muslims should stay away from acts that could set a Yoruba Land in fire,”he warned.

Meanwhile, Southwest governors, civil society organizations and right groups have made it clear that Sharia is not welcomed in the region.