‘Intolerant Christians’ blocking Sharia, says Oyo Gov aspirant Adebayo Shittu, vows implementation

Former Minister of Communications and governorship aspirant, Adebayo Shittu, has said Sharia law could be implemented in Oyo State if demanded by the people, describing opposition to the Islamic legal system as the product of religious intolerance, particularly among Christians.

Shittu made the remarks during an interview aired on SYMFOMI, a YouTube television platform, where he defended Sharia as constitutional and optional, insisting that no Christian would be compelled to submit to it.

“A lot of people oppose Sharia out of intolerance,” Shittu said. “How does Sharia affect Christians if institutionalised? If there is Sharia in any community, no Christian can be forced to go under Sharia.”

Asked directly whether he would introduce Sharia if elected governor of Oyo State, Shittu said he would do so if residents requested it, arguing that Nigeria’s constitution permits its establishment where demanded.

“Well, if the people ask for it. Even the constitution said it should be established wherever it is demanded. It is open because the constitution allows it,” he said.

Shittu also dismissed concerns that his stance could alienate Yoruba voters, rejecting the notion that the ethnic group is uniformly Christian.

“You are talking like every Yoruba is a Christian,” he said. “There are Yorubas who want Sharia.”