This study examines the social implications of adopting Sharia law for peaceful coexistence among the Yoruba in Ibadan Metropolis, South-West Nigeria. Anchored on legal pluralism, natural law theory, and the social justice framework, the research explores how the introduction of Sharia may affect intergroup relations, social cohesion, and human rights in a religiously plural setting. Ibadan was purposively selected as a microcosm of Yoruba religious diversity, where informal Sharia panels already operate alongside customary and statutory courts. A mixed-methods cross-sectional design was employed, combining survey data from 309 respondents with 16 key informant interviews drawn from religious, legal, and community leadership. Findings reveal widespread opposition to Sharia adoption, with 75.4% of respondents rejecting its introduction. Religious affiliation emerged as a significant predictor of attitude (χ² = 98.234, p < 0.001), as 92.5% of Christians opposed Sharia compared to 65.9% of Muslims who supported it. Beyond attitudinal divisions, 78.6% believed Sharia would negatively affect social relationships, and 69.6% anticipated adverse effects on non-Muslim integration. Additionally, 60.5% expressed concern that Sharia would not respect fundamental human rights, particularly those of women and religious minorities. Qualitative findings revealed intra‑Muslim variations from cautious acceptance to conditional support, shaped by prior exposure to Sharia based systems and concerns about implementation. The study concludes that introducing Sharia law in Ibadan poses significant risks to social cohesion and interfaith trust. As such, any consideration of Sharia implementation be limited to personal law for consenting Muslims, supported by clear constitutional safeguards and robust protections for minority rights
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