- Ekiti State government clarified that no Sharia court exists in the state’s judicial structure
- Commissioner for Justice Dayo Apata emphasised that customary courts handle Islamic, Christian, and traditional marriage disputes
- The state warned against potential political manipulation as the 2026 elections approach
The Ekiti State Government has clarified that the state's legal framework does not recognise a Sharia Court or an Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel.
This statement was issued by the state’s Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Dayo Apata, on Thursday, January 23 in response to reports about the inaugural public sitting of the Ekiti State Shari’ah Panel, which reportedly resolved two marriage disputes last week.
Ekiti AG rejects sharia panel
In his statement, Apata emphasised that the existing legal structure in Ekiti had been successfully addressing issues related to Islamic, Christian, and traditional marriages and inheritance without controversy.
“There is an existing legal structure in Ekiti State (i.e. Customary Court, Customary Court of Appeal and High Court) that has been handling issues relating to Islamic, Christian and traditional marriages and inheritance without any rancour or agitation,” Apata stated.
He expressed concerns about activities that could potentially disrupt the state’s longstanding commitment to peaceful coexistence among its residents.
The Attorney General pointed out that the Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel does not form part of the state's judicial structure.
He explained that arbitration and mediation are quasi-judicial matters regulated by state law and are already handled within the state’s High Courts, which include mechanisms for such processes.
Customary courts address religious marriages, Apata explains
“The Sharia Courts in the North are equivalent to the Customary Courts in the Southern part of Nigeria. Wherein appeals from Sharia Courts in the North go to Sharia Court of Appeal, the state similarly has Customary Court of Appeal that hears appeals from the Customary Courts,” Apata stated.
He added, “Customary Courts and the Customary Court of Appeal can effectively take care of any customary issues arising from Yoruba traditional marriages, Islamic marriages and Christian marriages, especially the ones that were not backed-up by the statutory marriages which can only be dissolved by the states High Courts throughout Nigeria.”
Apata also noted that as the 2026 gubernatorial election approaches, opposition members, unable to challenge the state government’s performance, may resort to unethical tactics.
He urged religious leaders to “be wary of being used as tools by politicians and fifth columnists because the 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.”
Afenifere rejects calls for Sharia Law in South-West Nigeria, warns against disunity
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Afenifere cautioned that the introduction of Sharia law could lead to violence and disruption in the South-West.
The group appealed to Yoruba political leaders and traditional rulers to reject any move toward Sharia law in the region.