By: Bayero Ade
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has denied allegations that his administration plans to establish a Sharia Court in the state, emphasizing that no such court has been authorized.
According to Vanguard, in a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ogun State Government clarified that Sharia courts, which are common in Northern Nigeria, have no legal foundation in the state and cannot be set up without constitutional backing.
The government reiterated that only courts recognized by the Nigerian Constitution and state laws are permitted to operate.
It further affirmed that the state judiciary consists of legally established courts, including Magistrates’ Courts, High Courts, Customary Courts, the Customary Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court, the National Industrial Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.
The statement read, “No law in Ogun State has established a Sharia Court, and Sharia law is not part of the state’s legal framework.”
While reaffirming its commitment to religious freedom, the government stressed that this right does not extend to creating unauthorized institutions. It warned that no individual or group has the legal authority to constitute a court or administer justice outside the framework of the law.
Residents were urged to ignore any notices, summons, or documents linked to the rumored Sharia Court and to report any such activities to the authorities.
The government assured the public that it remains dedicated to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that peace and order are maintained across the state.
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