Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has said residents of the state who view Sharia panel as an alternative dispute mechanism, are free to patronise the system.

He, however, insisted that the government will stand by the constitution on the application of Sharia law in some states of the South-West, including Oyo.

 Daily Trust reports that there had been controversy over the establishment of Sharia panels in Oyo State and other parts of the region.

The issue over the Sharia panels in the South-West started with the proposal by the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) in Oyo State to establish a Sharia panel in the town to adjudicate and sit on matters relating to Muslims.

This, however, triggered controversy, raising fears in the state over the alleged “true intention” of the proponents of the Sharia panels.

Makinde, while responding to a report of his planned litigation over the Sharia panel, noted that his administration will not oppose anything that is in line with the constitution.

 He declared that members of the public can approach the Sharia Panel if they feel like doing so.

 The governor was speaking at the 2025 Iftar programme held at the frontage of the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

The governor, who stated that the panel could be an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, noted that the court of law is still empowered by the constitution to settle all disputes and that his administration will always follow the dictates of the constitution.

He said, “My position is that we will support anything that is in our constitution. I made a statement when Muslims in South Western Nigeria (MUSWEN) came to my office that we should not encourage discord among ourselves no matter how little.

 “The interpretation on my own side is that, even in our families, it is not every issue we take to court. When people have disagreements, the elders in the family try to settle the dispute.

 “So, on this particular Sharia Panel, whoever wants to patronise it and feels it is an alternative dispute mechanism, it is okay. It will help the government and ensure that the cases going to our judges are reduced.

 “We will encourage alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and the only thing I can say is that if it is something to be enforced or that needs more clarity, you still have the court, which is recognised by the constitution.”