The Yoruba Nation Youths, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, have strongly opposed any plans to introduce Sharia law or establish Sharia courts in the South-West region of Nigeria.

This position was voiced in a joint statement by the Yoruba National Youth Leader (Diaspora), Prophet Ayodele Ologunloluwa, and Homebase Leader, Comrade Oyegunle Oluwamayowa Omotoyole. The group expressed their commitment to defending Yoruba ancestral land against any form of destabilization, including efforts to impose Sharia law. Their statement follows 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, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre in the Mobolaje area.

The statement declared, “We will resist any attempt to impose Sharia law or courts in Yorubaland. Yoruba culture and traditions are unique, and any attempt to introduce foreign laws will face fierce opposition.”

Labeling the proposal “laughable,” the group vowed to mobilize resistance if the plan proceeds. “We warn the Nigerian government not to sow division in Yorubaland. Our priority is Yoruba Nation self-determination, and we will not let external forces derail our struggle.”

Quoting Yoruba leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo, they reiterated their stance: “Rather than a Yorubaman bowing to a Hausa-Fulani, it is better to take courage and die.”

The youths called for the immediate withdrawal of the plans and urged Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, South-West governors, Yoruba monarchs, senators, and other leaders to reject the proposal and protect 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,” they stated.

The group also expressed concerns about potential destabilization and the rise of extremist activities, adding, “We reject any effort to introduce practices that undermine our faith, values, and identity. We will resist this agenda with all our strength.”

The Yoruba Nation Youths 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 declared, urging Yoruba citizens to remain vigilant and ready to defend their land from any external influence or imposition.