The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has advocated for constitutional amendments to establish Sharia courts in all South West states and to make Fridays public holidays for Muslim worship.
Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the group’s Executive Director, made the submission at the South West Zonal Public Hearing on Constitutional Review, accompanied by Dr Jamiu Busari.
He informed the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution that the absence of Sharia courts in the Southwest goes against the region’s pre-colonial Islamic tradition.
“No Sharia court currently exists in Southwestern Nigeria, where Muslims arguably form the majority,” Akintola said. He demanded the creation of Sharia Courts of Appeal across the zone, including in Edo State, noting that such courts would serve only Muslims and not infringe on the rights of non-Muslims.
Akintola also advocated declaring Fridays as public holidays, noting that the current weekend arrangement, which includes Saturday and Sunday, privileges Christians while marginalising Muslims.
“Thursdays and Fridays were traditional Muslim weekends before colonialism. Saturday was later made a full day to benefit Seventh-Day Adventists under Gen. Gowon,” he said.
According to Akintola, five of Nigeria’s eight national holidays favour Christians, including Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year, Good Friday, and Easter Monday.
Muslim holidays, such as Eid-Kabir, Eid Fitr, and Maulud, are less common, and he advocates for the recognition of the Islamic New Year as a national holiday.
He also advocates for the official recognition of Islamic (Nikkah) marriage certificates, citing discriminatory practices.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who was representing Deputy Senate President Sen. Jubrin Barau, stated that all proposals would be studied and evaluated by the National Assembly.
