By: Bayero Ade
The Ekiti State Government has categorically stated that neither the Sharia Court nor its Arbitration Panel are recognised within the state’s legal framework.
In a response to recent claims suggesting the existence of a Sharia legal system in Ekiti, Dayo Apata, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, issued a clarification, dismissing the reports as unfounded and fabricated.
Apata addressed claims of a Sharia public sitting last week involving two marriage disputes, affirming that Ekiti already has a robust legal system capable of managing matters concerning Christian, Islamic, and traditional marriages, as well as inheritance disputes.
“There is an established legal structure in Ekiti State, including the Customary Court, Customary Court of Appeal, and High Court, which effectively manages issues related to Islamic, Christian, and traditional marriages, as well as inheritance, without any unrest,” Apata said.
He urged caution against any actions or statements that might threaten the peaceful coexistence of Ekiti residents, reinforcing the government’s commitment to resolving potential sources of conflict.
“The Sharia Courts in the North are equivalent to the Customary Courts in the South. While appeals from Sharia Courts go to the Sharia Court of Appeal in the North, Ekiti has its own Customary Court of Appeal to handle appeals from Customary Courts,” he explained.
Apata further called on religious leaders to resist any political manipulation designed to provoke unrest, warning that the government would not hesitate to enforce the law to ensure peace and protect the well-being of its citizens.
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