Former Interior Minister and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has called on Yoruba monarchs to uphold the inclusive nature of their culture by embracing all religions in their domains.
Aregbesola made the appeal on Saturday during the turbaning ceremony of Mr. Mahmud Adesina (SAN) as the Wazeerul Muslimeen of Ifon-Orolu in Osun State.
Highlighting the rich and diverse traditions of the Yoruba people, Aregbesola said, “No Yoruba king can be exclusively Muslim, Christian, or traditionalist. If a monarch chooses to align with just one religion, then such a king is not authentically Yoruba. Yoruba culture is inherently inclusive.”
He further stressed the role of monarchs as custodians of communal harmony, saying, “A Yoruba king must participate in all religious practices, whether it’s the Egungun festival, Islamic prayers, or Christian celebrations. That is the way God created the Yoruba people.”
Aregbesola also praised the monarchs present at the event, describing their conduct as exemplary. “This is the true essence of Yoruba monarchy—being actively involved in all faiths, from Islam to Christianity and traditional practices,” he remarked.
In his acceptance speech, Mahmud Adesina advocated for the establishment of Sharia Courts of Appeal in states with significant Muslim populations, in alignment with constitutional provisions.
“The Nigerian Constitution, in Sections 275, 276, and 277, explicitly mandates the establishment of Sharia Courts of Appeal. The use of the word ‘shall’ indicates this requirement.
While some states currently have Sharia panels for resolving disputes among Muslims, these panels lack enforcement powers. Establishing Sharia Courts of Appeal will ensure full compliance with the Constitution,” he explained.
