Amb. (Dr.) Yemi Farounbi, a veteran broadcaster and seasoned administrator, has described the introduction of Sharia laws in some Northern states as “political Sharia,” arguing that religion was being used as an instrument for political power and social control.
Farounbi asserted while responding to a question on the agitation for Sharia laws to operate alongside the Nigerian Constitution in an interview with PrimeStar News Online.
He referred to the period when seven Northern states enacted Sharia laws, saying former President Olusegun Obasanjo had described the development as “political Sharia.”
According to Farounbi, the objective, in his view, was not simply religious observance but the use of religion to influence political power and control the thinking of the population.
“When seven Northern states enacted Sharia laws, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo ignored them. He said they were practising political Sharia,” Farounbi said.
He questioned the extent to which political leaders who supported Sharia had applied its principles to governance, particularly in relation to corruption and public accountability.
Farounbi argued that laws presented as religious instruments should serve the welfare and security of society rather than become mechanisms for maintaining political control.
He also expressed concern about the broader use of religion as a political tool, saying religious affiliation should not determine how citizens are treated or how public institutions operate.
According to him, the traditional Yoruba social structure provides an example of religious coexistence, with Muslims, Christians and Ifa worshippers historically living within the same communities.
He said religious differences became problematic when politicians began using them to divide people or determine access to political power.
Farounbi also questioned attempts to use religious identity to assess public officials.
“We never really cared about the religious affiliations of those who occupy offices,” he said.
He argued that Nigeria’s focus should be on developing its people through education and economic opportunity.
Farounbi contrasted the situation with developments in several Muslim-majority countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where, according to him, religious identity exists alongside investments in science, technology and engineering.
He said Nigeria should similarly avoid allowing religious considerations to distract from the need to develop the country.
The veteran journalist further argued that education remains an important instrument for breaking entrenched social hierarchies.
He said successive generations should have greater access to education and opportunities than those before them, rather than allowing a small privileged class to monopolise educational advancement.
Farounbi’s position forms part of his broader argument that religion should contribute to the development of society rather than be deployed as an instrument of political control.
