Yoruba Self Determination Movement (YSDM-USA), Condemns Planned Inauguration of Sharia Court in Oyo State

MaTaZ ArIsInG
Dallas, Texas

PRESS RELEASE
By YSDM-USA
Date: 25th December 2024

YSDM-USA Condemns Planned Inauguration of Sharia Court in Oyo State, Calls for Immediate Cancellation!
24th December 2024

On behalf of like-minded Yoruba sons and daughters in the diaspora, YSDM-USA, a prominent global advocate for the preservation of Yoruba homeland, culture, traditions, and values, firmly expresses its deep concern and unequivocal opposition to the proposed inauguration of a Sharia Court in Oyo Town, Oyo State, scheduled for January 11, 2025.

As guardians of Yoruba identity and heritage, we view this proposed development as an unprecedented affront to the cultural, historical, and social fabric of Yorubaland. Yorubaland has long championed peaceful coexistence among diverse religious and ethnic communities, but the establishment of a Sharia Court in Oyo threatens this harmony and undermines the secular foundation that has been a cornerstone of Yoruba values, rights, and traditions.

A Call to Protect Yoruba Identity
Oyo Town holds profound historical and cultural significance as the political capital of the Yoruba people, the seat of the Alaafin of Oyo, and a bastion of our collective cultural legacy. The proposed Sharia Court threatens to disrupt the longstanding multi-religious harmony and the rich, diverse values that have defined Yoruba society for centuries.

We must unite to protect Yoruba identity, preserve our shared heritage, and safeguard the principles of equity and harmony that have upheld our society for generations.

Our Concerns

1. Threat to Yoruba Ancestral Land: The establishment of a Sharia Court is an unacceptable encroachment on the secular and inclusive foundation of Yorubaland. Yoruba culture is built on inter-religious harmony, and any attempt to impose an alien legal framework contradicts this core value.
2. Historical Legacy: Oyo has historically resisted external ideological impositions, including the Islamic Jihadist invasion. This planned court undermines that legacy and dishonors the resilience of our ancestors.
3. Security Risks: Sharia law has often been linked to human rights violations and extremism in certain regions of Nigeria. Introducing such a legal framework in Yorubaland risks destabilizing the peace and coexistence that the region has long enjoyed.
4. Legal and Cultural Violations: Implementing Sharia Courts in a predominantly secular Yoruba community is unconstitutional and represents a blatant disregard for Yoruba traditions, values, and cultural identity.

Our Demands
YSDM-USA unequivocally demands the immediate cancellation of the planned inauguration of the Sharia Court in Oyo State. We call upon the following authorities and leaders to intervene decisively to prevent this provocative and destabilizing development:

• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
• His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife
• The Chief Justice of the Federation
• Southwest Governors Forum
• Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
• The Afenifere Leadership
• Prof. Banji Akintoye
• Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams
• Chief Sunday Igboho (CSI)
• Other notable Yoruba leaders

We stand ready to mobilize all legitimate means, including legal actions, to protect Yoruba ancestral lands and uphold the principles of justice and equity.

A Call for Unity
YSDM-USA urges peace-loving Muslims in Yorubaland to align with this call for unity and mutual respect for our collective heritage. We believe that safeguarding Yoruba identity and harmony benefits all who reside in Yorubaland, irrespective of faith or background.

Closing Statement
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere! We call upon all Yoruba sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to join us in this critical effort to protect the sanctity of our cultural and historical legacy. Together, we can ensure that Yorubaland remains a bastion of unity, peace, and progress.

Signed,
YSDM-USA Leadership
For more information, contact: info@ysdmusa.org

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