By Ayodele Oni
The brickbats continue in Ekiti State over the birth of Sharia Court, which has conducted its first public sitting in the state capital.
Despite the state government position that there is no room for Sharia law in the state statute, a Muslim group has risen to defend the Sharia law in the state insisting that the Muslim law has come to stay.
The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adedugbe at the weekend also issued an order proscribing any form of Sharia law or committee in the state.
The monarch, announced the dissolution of the Sharia panel established at the Central Mosque, Ado Ekiti, to promote peaceful coexistence and maintain law and order within the community.
Adejugbe made his statement during a meeting with local chiefs, community members, and the Chief Imam, Sheik Jamiu Kewulere, who is also the President of the League of Imams and Alfas in the Southwest, Edo, and Delta states. This gathering addressed rising tensions surrounding the Sharia panel.
This decision followed closely after the state government clarified that the existing legal framework in Ekiti State does not recognize the Sharia Court or any Sharia Arbitration Panel.
The state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Dayo Apata (SAN), responded to reports of the panel’s first public sitting, which had resolved two marriage disputes.
He stated that matters concerning Islamic, Christian, and traditional marriages and inheritance had been handled effectively by the Customary Court, Customary Court of Appeal, and High Court, without conflict.
Earlier, Chief Imam Kewulere, who attended the meeting with the monarch, confirmed the establishment of Sharia committee, noting that it had successfully resolved one marriage dispute and adjourned another. He rejected all allegations of sinister motives behind its creation.
Kewulere emphasised that Muslims and followers of other faiths had enjoyed harmonious relations, stating, “The committee was fundamentally created to address inheritance matters for the benefit of our members.”
He dismissed claims that it was intended to incite conflict and denied any external influence or involvement.
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Ekiti State Area Unit disagreed with the position of the state government and Ado monarch on the Sharia committee.
MSSN said it “expresses its deep concern regarding the pronouncement by the Ewi in Council to halt the Independent Shari’a Arbitration Panel, which was officially established by the leadership of the Muslim community, despite the involvement of key stakeholders in the state.”
The statement signed on behalf of the Muslim Body by Jimoh Owonifari Kareem added that “This decision is seen as a clear indication of animosity towards Islam and Muslims in Ekiti State.
“It is regrettable that influential figures, including the Attorney General, can be swayed by unfounded social media outcries fueled by individuals with ulterior motives.
“This response, based on misinformation and misrepresentation, not only undermines the dignity of Muslims in the state but also represents a significant form of oppression and injustice.
“Numerous arbitration panels exist in Ekiti State that are publicly featured on radio and television without facing any condemnation. We question how many of these panels have been criticized by the Ewi in Council or deemed in violation of legal standards by the State Attorney General.
“This situation is a direct affront to the office of the President General of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land, Edo, and Delta states, who is also from Ekiti State. This dignified individual has consistently promoted peace and coexistence among all, regardless of faith.
“To suggest he could incite chaos, as insinuated by certain parties, is an insult to his office and to the entire Muslim community in Yoruba Land.
“It is essential to clarify that the Shari’a Arbitration Panel in Ekiti is designed solely to resolve disputes among willing Muslims in accordance with Islamic principles. Its primary goal is to provide a peaceful platform for conflict resolution, fostering unity, understanding, and adherence to Islamic ethics.
“The panelists aim to interpret Allah’s injunctions and provide guidance based on Shari’a principles. Any claims that this panel adversely affects the state are, in our view, a subtle expression of animosity towards Islam and Muslims.
“The establishment of the Shari’a panel brought immense joy to the MSSN Ekiti Area Unit, as we have historically adhered to Shari’a principles in our activities since the creation of Ekiti State.
“Our commitment to Shari’a has bolstered our harmonious relationships and progress, evident in our successful schools and economic empowerment initiatives, which adhere to non-interest-based principles.
“Many non-Muslims have shown interest in enrolling their children in our schools due to the moral standards upheld through our Shari’a compliance.
“Furthermore, our practices extend to burial rites, as we ensure our deceased are laid to rest in Muslim cemeteries, reflecting our adherence to Shari’a. The MSSN Ekiti State Area Unit’s commitment to Shari’a has been longstanding and has not infringed upon the rights of others or created chaos within the state.
“As a law-abiding entity, the MSSN Ekiti State Area Unit will continue to uphold Shari’a principles. We will resist any attempts to obstruct our practices or deny us our fundamental religious rights, viewing such actions as deliberate attempts to hinder our progress and that of future generations. We are committed to utilizing all legal means to defend our rights.
“Our Shari’a Arbitration Panel, established by previous leadership, has successfully resolved numerous marital disputes and conflicts among Muslims, fostering peace, unity, and collective career advancement among our members.
“The Shari’a Arbitration Panel will remain an integral part of our operations within the MSSN Ekiti State Area Unit. We firmly believe that no individual or group can prevent us from practicing our faith.”
