No Sharia Court or Its Resemblance in Ekiti, Says Commissioner

 

The Ekiti State Government has refuted claims regarding the existence of a Sharia Court or the proposed Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel within the state.

In a statement released in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata (SAN), clarified that the Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel is not part of the state’s judicial framework. He emphasized that arbitration and mediation are quasi-judicial matters regulated by law in Ekiti State.

Apata highlighted that the state’s existing legal structures—including the Customary Court, Customary Court of Appeal, and High Court—have been effectively handling matters related to Islamic, Christian, and traditional marriages, as well as inheritance issues, without any disputes or demands for an additional court system.

He further explained:

“The Sharia Courts in the northern part of Nigeria function similarly to Customary Courts in the southern states, with appeals from these courts going to the Sharia Court of Appeal. In Ekiti, we have Customary Courts that address customary cases and a Customary Court of Appeal to handle appeals from these courts.”

Apata noted that the state’s High Courts and other judicial institutions already provide arbitration and mediation mechanisms. He reassured residents that the Customary Courts and the Customary Court of Appeal are well-equipped to adjudicate disputes related to Yoruba traditional marriages, Islamic marriages, and Christian marriages—particularly those not backed by statutory law, which can only be dissolved by the High Court, as is the case across Nigeria.

Stressing the sensitive nature of religious matters, Apata urged caution to prevent actions that could disrupt the state’s commitment to peaceful coexistence. He reaffirmed that the government would not tolerate any activities that threaten the harmony currently enjoyed by residents.

Acknowledging the growing political atmosphere ahead of the 2026 governorship election, Apata suggested that opposition figures, unable to fault the government’s performance, were resorting to misinformation and divisive tactics.

He, therefore, advised religious leaders to be vigilant and avoid being manipulated by politicians or external forces. He warned that the government would not hesitate to uphold the Constitution and take decisive legal action to maintain peace and order in the state.