Ekiti State Government debunks Sharia court rumors

January 23, 2025

By Dele Adedayo

The Ekiti State Government has categorically denied the existence of Sharia Court or the proposed Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel in the state.

“The Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel is not in the judicial structure of the State,” said Mr. Dayo Apata, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

According to Apata, “Arbitration and/or Mediation issues are Quasi-Judicial matters which are regulated by Law” in the state.

He emphasized that the state’s existing legal framework, comprising Customary Court, Customary Court of Appeal, and High Court, has been effectively handling issues related to Islamic, Christian, and traditional marriages, as well as inheritance.

Apata noted, “The Sharia Courts in the North are equivalent to the Customary Courts in the Southern part of Nigeria wherein the Appeals therefrom also goes to the Sharia Court of Appeal.

“The State similarly has Customary Courts that hear customary cases as well as the Customary Court of Appeal that hears appeals from the Customary Courts.” He added

Apata cautioned against activities that may disrupt the state’s peaceful coexistence, saying, “Government would not compromise on any action that may hinder the prevailing peace and fester hostility in the State.”

He also advised religious leaders to be cautious of being manipulated by politicians, stating, “Government will not hesitate to invoke the full weight of the law to protect the Constitution of the Federation and maintain peaceful co-existence in the state.”