TMC Urges Government To Uphold Sharia Alongside Common Law, Calls For Justice, Fairness In Governance

The Muslim Congress (TMC), Osun State, has called on the Nigerian government to give the Sharia legal system full recognition alongside the common law, allowing Muslims to be guided by their faith-based legal principles up to the Supreme Court level.

This demand was made by the Amir Li Awal of TMC, Sheikh Abdulrazaq Abdulsalam, during the organisation’s Annual State Lecture held, in Osogbo , in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

The event, themed “The Nigerian State and Lessons from Contemporary History,” brought together scholars, clerics, and members of the Muslim community for reflection on national issues and moral governance.

Speaking on the expectations of Muslims from the Nigerian state, Sheikh Abdulsalam said Muslims should be allowed to choose Sharia law as a legal option in parallel with the common law system.

“We want the Sharia to stand with the common law, Let people be free to make their choices. Give the Sharia the full length of power so that Muslims who want to be guided by it can do so easily. Currently, the Sharia is limited to personal matters, and even when judgments are made at the appellate level, the Supreme Court can overturn them.”

The cleric further emphasized the need for education about the principles of Sharia, particularly in the Southwest, where resistance to its implementation remains strong.

“Many people only know about cutting of hands or stoning for adultery. They need education about the broader justice system that Sharia represents,” he explained.

“Muslims themselves must also live by the teachings of Islam so that others can see the positive outcomes and be inspired by them.”

Sheikh Abdulsalam urged state governments to respect constitutional provisions that allow for Sharia courts, describing the resistance as a form of oppression.

“The law allows it, so why are you running away from it?” he asked. “Government officials fear Sharia because it stands for justice and accountability.”

Nigeria Needs Justice and Fairness to Thrive — Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed

Also speaking at the event, Engineer Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed Adekunle, Pioneer Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, called for fairness and justice in global and national governance, warning that no civilisation lasts forever without these virtues.

“Let the world powers be fair and just. Look at what is happening in Gaza , it’s clearly a matter of injustice,” he said. “New civilisations rise and fall depending on how they uphold justice and fairness.”

Dr. Abdul-Hameed, who reflected on Nigeria’s 65 years of independence, urged governments at all levels to improve citizens’ welfare through better economic and educational policies.

“Each government may say it is trying, but there is still room for improvement, we need equity and fairness in the economy, education, and politics to build an egalitarian society.” He said.

He also called on Muslims to embody the teachings of the Qur’an in addressing conflicts peacefully.

“If Muslims live by the teachings of the Qur’an, many communal conflicts would not occur,” he said.

Empathy in Economic Reforms, Call for Peace in Gaza

Also in the speech delivered on behalf of Alhaji Abdul Wasi’i Bangbala, the Amir of The Muslim Congress, Alhaji Iyiola Mikam Oyedeji, the Waali of TMC Osun State, described the annual lecture as a platform for “intellectual discourse, moral reflection, and constructive contribution to national development.”

He commended ongoing economic reforms but urged the government to adopt human-centered approaches that consider the welfare of the poor.

“The true measure of any policy is its impact on the most vulnerable,” he said. “The plight of the common Nigerian grappling with the rising cost of living demands not just policy, but palpable empathy and immediate relief.”

He also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing industrial dispute between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Group, noting that prolonged conflict could threaten national stability.

On international affairs, the TMC leader condemned the continued attacks on Gaza and called for a permanent ceasefire and global action rooted in justice.

“The crisis in Gaza is a scar on our collective conscience. The pursuit of peace must be proactive, courageous, and grounded in justice,” he said.