In a powerful and unflinching statement at a world press conference held at Arisekola Mosque, Ibadan, the Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars in Nigeria, in affiliation with the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, have raised the alarm over what they describe as “systemic marginalization” of Yoruba Muslims in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Describing themselves as the umbrella body of Yoruba Muslim Scholars advocating for religious and political justice, the group accused the Tinubu-led government of excluding Yoruba Muslims from key political positions and undermining their contributions to the President’s electoral victory.
"Used, Dumped and Forgotten"
The scholars recalled the Muslim/Muslim ticket controversy that trailed Tinubu’s candidacy and how Muslims, particularly in the Southwest, rallied behind him, bearing the brunt of criticism and opposition from powerful Christian blocs.
“Despite the overwhelming support we gave to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the election, we now face a worst form of marginalization,” the statement read. “Even those who vehemently opposed his candidacy are now major beneficiaries of appointments, while Muslims are sidelined.”
Quoting Prof. Is-haq Oloyede’s prescient remark—“When Muslims are in power, we are not in power. And when we are not in power, we are completely not in power”—the scholars said Yoruba Muslims are now victims of the same system they fought to build.
Highlight of Political Appointments and Religious Affiliations
Ministers from the South West:
- Hon. Dele Alake – Christian (Solid Minerals Development)
- Hon. Bosun Tijani – Christian (Communication)
- Hon. Wale Edun – Christian (Finance & Coordinating Minister of Economy)
- Hon. Lola Ade John – Christian (Tourism)
- Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo – Christian (Interior)
- Hon. Jumoke Oduwole – Christian (Trade and Investments)
- Hon. Ayodele Olawande – Christian (Youths)
- Hon. Ishak Salako Adekunle – Now Christian (State for Health)
- Hon. Waheed Adelabu – Christian (Power)
- Hon. Isiaka Oyetola – Muslim (Marine and Blue Economy)
- Hon. Tunji Alausa Morufu – Muslim (Education)
Top Appointments:
- Yemi Cardoso – Christian (CBN Governor)
- Femi Gbajabiamila – Muslim
- Zaccheus A. Adedeji – Christian (Executive Chairman, FIRS)
- Pius Akinyelure – Christian (Chairman, NNPCL Board)
- Gbenga Alade – Christian (MD/CEO AMCON)
- Kayode Opeifa – Christian (MD Nigeria Railway Corporation)
- Tope Fasua – Christian (Special Adviser to the President on Economy)
Key Security Appointments:
- Wale Egbetokun – Christian (IGP)
- Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi – Christian (DSS DG)
- Olanipekun Olukayode – Christian (EFCC Chairman)
- Late Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja – Christian (Former COAS)
- Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede – Christian (New COAS)
The group decried this pattern as a deliberate political exclusion and described it as “unjust and a betrayal of trust.”
Demand for Sharia Courts in Yoruba States
The group made a renewed call for the formal establishment of Sharia Courts of Appeal across the six South West states, describing it as a constitutional right of Yoruba Muslims and a long-overdue demand dating back to 1894.
They presented a 22-point historical and legal justification for the demand, citing:
- Provisions in the 1960, 1963, 1979, and 1999 Constitutions.
- Past efforts and petitions by Lagos and Ibadan Muslims to colonial authorities.
- Existing Sharia panels in Ibadan, Lagos, Abeokuta, Oshogbo, and Ado-Ekiti as evidence of need.
- Legal precedence like Agu v. Ikewibe and Alkamawa v. Bello validating Sharia arbitration.
They argued that the continued imposition of common law—deemed Christian in origin—on Muslim personal and family disputes violates the principles of fairness, religious freedom, and Nigeria’s plural identity.
“We are not calling for Islamization of Nigeria. We’re calling for justice. Just as Christians enjoy Customary and Pilgrimage Boards, Muslims are constitutionally entitled to Sharia Courts. Anything contrary is political suppression,” they stated.
They also dismissed the recent opposition by an unnamed "comedian impostor claiming to be Imam of Yorubaland" as a crude distraction, emphasizing that only genuine scholars speak for the Muslim community.
State of the Nation: Economic Misery and Presidential Silence
The conference concluded with a scathing critique of President Tinubu’s economic policies, which they described as “a betrayal of campaign promises.” They warned that the romance with Western powers would bring no real benefit to Nigerians and accused the administration of ignoring public suffering while imposing unbearable utility tariffs and overseeing deteriorating public services.
“We are being asked to be patient while the cost of living rises geometrically and wages remain stagnant. Even teaching hospitals are in total darkness. Nigerians are losing hope.”
They called for urgent Presidential Intervention Projects in Education, Health, and Agriculture, warning that the administration's current trajectory could destroy the goodwill it once enjoyed.
The group ended by reminding the president that Islam demands justice, loyalty, and honor, and urged him to uphold the values he professes as a Muslim.
“Mr. President must not treat loyal allies as expendable tools. It is un-Islamic, it is unjust, and it is politically dangerous.”
The statement comes at a time of growing discontent and renewed calls for religious balance, equity, and fulfillment of campaign promises in Nigeria’s governance structure. The voice of Yoruba Muslims, long muted, has now echoed loudly from the heart of Ibadan.