Ekiti govt speaks on reported establishment of state sharia court

Ekiti govt speaks on reported establishment of state sharia court

Following reports on establishment of a Sharia Court or an Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata (SAN), has said that no such judicial body exists in the state’s legal framework.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Apata dismissed media reports published on Wednesday claiming that some Muslim leaders had begun implementing Sharia law in Ekiti.

The attorney-general noted that the state’s judicial system, including Customary Courts, the Customary Court of Appeal, and High Courts, has effectively handled matters related to Islamic, Christian, and traditional marriages, as well as inheritance disputes, without issues of contention.

“The Sharia Courts in the North are equivalent to the Customary Courts in the southern part of Nigeria, wherein appeals are directed to the Sharia Court of Appeal. Similarly, in Ekiti, Customary Courts handle customary cases, while the Customary Court of Appeal hears appeals from these courts,” he said.

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Apata emphasized that the state’s High Courts and other courts of record are equipped with arbitration and mediation mechanisms. He added that the Customary Courts and the Customary Court of Appeal are capable of addressing issues arising from Yoruba traditional marriages, Islamic marriages, and Christian marriages that are not statutory. Statutory marriages, he noted, can only be dissolved by High Courts across Nigeria.

Emphasizing the sensitive nature of religious issues, Apata cautioned against making inflammatory statements or engaging in activities that could disrupt the peace and unity of the state.

“Government will not compromise on any action that may jeopardize the prevailing peace or incite hostility within the state,” he said.

The Attorney-General also addressed the ongoing political climate, noting that the approaching 2026 governorship election in Ekiti has led to increased political activity. He accused opposition figures of resorting to unethical tactics in the absence of substantial criticism of the government’s performance.

Apata urged religious leaders to remain vigilant and avoid being manipulated by politicians or divisive elements. He warned that the state government would not hesitate to enforce the law to safeguard the Constitution and maintain harmony among residents.

 

Ekiti govt speaks on reported establishment of state sharia court