Ekiti govt flays Sharia panel, threatens legal action

From Victor Akinkuolie,Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government has expressed strong disapproval of the inauguration of an Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel in the state, warning that it may invoke the full weight of the law if necessary.
In a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata (SAN), declared that the Sharia Arbitration Panel is not recognised within the judicial framework of Ekiti State.
He clarified that arbitration and mediation are quasi-judicial matters that are strictly regulated by law in the state. Apata pointed out that Ekiti already has a functioning legal structure—including the Customary Court, Customary Court of Appeal, and High Court—that addresses issues related to Islamic, Christian, and traditional marriages, as well as inheritance matters, without any disputes or unrest.
This development follows the maiden sitting of the Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel in Ado-Ekiti last week, during which it adjudicated on two marriage-related disputes.
The panel, chaired by three Kadhis—Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, Imam Abdulraheem Junaid-Bamigbola, and Dr Ibrahim Aminullahi-Ogunrinde—was established to provide arbitration based on Islamic jurisprudence.
During its first sitting, the panel resolved one case—a marital dispute—through a consent judgment facilitated by earlier interventions from family members. However, a second case involving allegations of neglect by a husband was adjourned to January 30 for further investigation to ensure a fair resolution.
In his statement, Apata reiterated that the state’s High Courts, as well as other courts, already have established arbitration and mediation mechanisms. He stressed that customary courts and the Customary Court of Appeal are well-equipped to handle disputes arising from Yoruba traditional marriages, Islamic marriages, and Christian marriages, particularly those not formalised through statutory marriage.
He emphasised the religious sensitivity of such matters and urged caution to prevent actions that could disrupt the state’s policy of peaceful coexistence. The government, he warned, would not tolerate any activity that might compromise the peace or promote hostility in the state.
Apata also suggested that the establishment of the Sharia Arbitration Panel might be politically motivated, noting that with the 2026 governorship election drawing closer, opposition members have resorted to various unethical practices due to their inability to criticise the government’s performance.
He called on religious leaders to avoid being manipulated by politicians or serving as tools for fifth columnists. Apata assured that the government would take decisive legal action to uphold the constitution and maintain peace and harmony in the state.