- Ogun State government reaffirmed that only courts established under the Nigerian Constitution are recognised
- Governor Dapo Abiodun issued a strong warning against unauthorised Sharia court plans
- He urged the public to report any Sharia court-related activities to authorities
In a firm response to circulating plans for a Sharia court, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has made it clear that no Sharia court is authorised to operate in the state.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Tuesday, January 28, by Governor Dapo Abiodun where he clarified that Sharia courts could not be lawfully set up by individuals or groups without proper legal authorisation.
“The Ogun State Government has noted the circulation of a digital notice announcing the launch of a Shari’ah Court in Ogun State. No Sharia Court is authorised to operate within Ogun State,” the statement read.
Ogun state government rejects Sharia
The government emphasised that Ogun State only recognises courts established under the Nigerian Constitution and made it clear that a Sharia court is not part of the state’s legal framework.
“The courts that are legally empowered to adjudicate disputes arising within Ogun State are those established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or by State Laws, which are: Magistrates’ Courts, High Court, Customary Courts, Customary Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.
“No law operating in Ogun State has established a Sharia Court, and Sharia law does not form part of the legal framework by which the Ogun State Government administers and governs society.
“The Ogun State Government upholds and protects the rights of individuals to practise the religion of their choice, or to subscribe to no religion, and recognises the freedom of individuals to apply their faith in their personal and private matters.
“However, this freedom does not extend to the formation of unauthorised assemblies or institutions. No individual or group is legally permitted to constitute a court or present themselves to the public as a court without legal backing. Those behind that notice have no legal backing. They cannot set up a court or administer justice by fiat or public notice.”
Ogun authorities urge prompt reporting of Sharia operations
The state administration further directed that all individuals involved in the creation or operation of the unauthorised court cease all related activities immediately, urging the disbandment of the illegal entity and its operations.
“The Ogun State Government also advises members of the public to disregard any summons, documents, or persons associated with the illegal Sharia Court. Such occurrences should be promptly reported to the state.
“The Ogun State Government will uphold the rule of law, ensure respect for the legal and judicial framework within the state, and prevent a breakdown of law and order,” the statement concluded.
Afenifere, CAN, other groups reject push for Sharia law in Southwest
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Christian and Muslim leaders in the southwest rejected the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs' push for a Shari’a arbitration panel, citing concerns over its implications.
Governments and traditional rulers, including in Ekiti, objected to the panel, asserting that existing legal frameworks were sufficient for resolving disputes within the Muslim community.