Shariah Court Not Recognized Under Ekiti Law, Declares State Attorney General Amid Arbitration Panel’s Marriage Dispute Resolution
The Ekiti State Government has declared that the Independent Shariah Arbitration Panel operating in the state is not recognized under its legal framework. This announcement followed the panel’s first public sitting at the Oja Oba Central Mosque in Ado-Ekiti, where it resolved a marriage dispute.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Dayo Apata (SAN), the state’s Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, emphasized that the panel’s activities lack constitutional backing. He reiterated that Ekiti’s existing legal structure, which includes Customary Courts, the Customary Court of Appeal, and the High Court, is fully equipped to address matters related to Islamic, Christian, and traditional marriages, as well as inheritance disputes.
“There is an existing legal structure in Ekiti State that has been handling such issues without rancor,” Apata stated. He cautioned against any actions that could disrupt the state’s policy of peaceful coexistence among its residents.
The Shariah panel, presided over by three Kadhis—Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, Imam Abdulraheem Junaid-Bamigbola, and Dr. Ibrahim Aminullahi-Ogunrinde—handled two marriage-related disputes during its inaugural sitting. The first case was resolved through a consent judgment facilitated by family interventions, while the second case, involving allegations of marital neglect, was adjourned to January 30 for further investigation.
The panel’s activities have sparked opposition from groups questioning the introduction of Shariah practices in Nigeria’s southwestern region. Addressing these concerns, Apata noted that the state’s Customary Courts effectively address issues arising from Yoruba traditional marriages, Islamic marriages, and Christian marriages, particularly those not formalized under statutory law, which fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
He also clarified that arbitration and mediation are regulated under the state’s legal framework and cautioned religious leaders against becoming tools for political manipulation.
“The government will not hesitate to invoke the full weight of the law to protect the constitution and ensure peace,” Apata warned.
The Attorney General’s comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, with concerns about opposition groups exploiting religious platforms for political gains.
