The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for constitutional amendments to establish Sharia courts in South West states and recognise Fridays as a work-free day nationwide to accommodate Muslim worship practices.
The demand was presented by MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, through the group’s representative, Dr. Jamiu Busari, during the South West Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, held in Lagos.
Addressing the Senate Committee on the Constitution Review, the group argued that the changes would promote inclusivity and uphold the rights of Muslims in the region.
Prof. Akintola noted that despite the significant Muslim population in the South West, no Sharia courts currently exist in the area — a situation he said contrasts with the region’s historical legal structure before British colonisation.
He urged the National Assembly to mandate the creation of Sharia Courts of Appeal in all South West states, including Edo State, explaining that such courts would adjudicate only on matters involving Muslims and would not affect non-Muslims.
Additionally, MURIC called for Fridays to be recognised as public holidays to reflect Muslim worship practices.
Akintola explained that pre-colonial Muslim communities traditionally observed Thursdays and Fridays as their rest days, while the current Saturday-Sunday weekend structure, introduced during colonial rule, largely benefits Christians.
He said, “Muslims feel excluded by the existing arrangement. Declaring Friday a public holiday would promote fairness and religious balance.”
MURIC also advocated for the Islamic New Year to be made a national public holiday, noting that some states already recognise it officially.
On the issue of marriage, Akintola called for official recognition of Islamic (Nikkah) marriage certificates.
He argued that Christian marriages conducted in churches or registries are widely accepted, whereas Islamic marriages often face bureaucratic challenges in official settings.
“This disparity is discriminatory. All religious marriage rites should be granted equal legal status,” he said.
The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) also supported MURIC’s proposals and recommended the establishment of judicial structures for Islamic finance, to support faith-based economic practices.
In response, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jubrin Barau — represented by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele — assured participants that all submissions at the hearing would be thoroughly reviewed and considered during the constitutional amendment process.
The public hearing also featured presentations from various interest groups, including youth, student, and women organisations.