An Islamic human rights group, the Muslim Rights Concern, has called for constitutional amendments to establish Sharia courts in all South West states
MURIC also demanded that Fridays be declared public holidays in recognition of Muslim worship practices across the country.
The group’s Founder and Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, presented the proposal during the South West Zonal Public Hearing on constitutional review.
Akintola, who was represented by Dr Jamiu Busari, a group leader, addressed the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.
He said the changes would enhance inclusiveness and protect the rights of Muslims in Nigeria’s Southwest region.
“No Sharia court currently exists in Southwestern Nigeria, where Muslims arguably form the majority.
“This contradicts the pre-colonial Yoruba experience before the advent of British rule,” Akintola said.
He urged the establishment of Sharia courts in all Southwestern states, including Edo, due to their Muslim populations.
He also called for constitutional provisions mandating state governors to establish Sharia Courts of Appeal.
“These courts will handle Muslim matters only, ensuring non-Muslims are not affected,” he added.
Akintola also urged the National Assembly to declare Fridays as public holidays for Muslim worship.
He said, “Thursdays and Fridays were traditional weekends for Muslims in the pre-colonial period.
“Currently, Nigeria recognises Saturday and Sunday as weekends, both favouring Christians,” he said.
He claimed the weekend structure was imposed by colonial authorities, with Saturday initially a half-day.
“Saturday was later made a full day to benefit Seventh-Day Adventists under Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s regime,” he added.
Akintola argued that the current weekend arrangement excludes Muslims and lacks religious balance.
“We demand Friday be included as a recognised weekend day for Muslims,” he said.
He noted Nigeria has eight national public holidays, five of which favour Christians and only three for Muslims.
Holidays listed include Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Eid-Kabir, Eid Fitr, and Maulud.
Akintola urged a constitutional amendment to make the Islamic New Year a public holiday.
He said this was already recognised in some states and should be adopted nationally.
