The Ekiti State Government clarified on Thursday that the legal framework in the state does not recognize a Sharia Court or an Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel.
The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Dayo Apata, made this statement in Ado Ekiti, the state capital. His remarks were in response to reports about the first public sitting of the Ekiti State Shari’ah Panel. The panel reportedly resolved two marriage disputes last week.
Existing Legal Structures in Ekiti State
Apata emphasized that the current legal system in Ekiti State addresses all marriage and inheritance issues. He stated, “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.”
This legal structure ensures peaceful resolution of disputes without additional systems being necessary. He cautioned against activities that could disrupt the state’s policy of peaceful coexistence among residents. “Government will not compromise on any action that may hinder the prevailing peace and fester hostility in the state,” he said.
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Sharia Court Versus Customary Court in Ekiti State
The Commissioner pointed out that Sharia Courts in the North are equivalent to Customary Courts in the southern part of Nigeria. He said, “Where appeals from Sharia Courts in the North go to the Sharia Court of Appeal, the state similarly has a Customary Court of Appeal that hears appeals from the Customary Courts.”
Apata explained that Ekiti State’s judicial framework includes mechanisms for arbitration and mediation. These mechanisms effectively handle issues arising from Yoruba traditional marriages, Islamic marriages, and Christian marriages. He added, “Such issues, especially those not backed by statutory marriages, can be dissolved by the state’s High Courts throughout Nigeria.”
Legal Concerns About the Sharia Panel
The Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel is not part of Ekiti State’s judicial structure. Apata noted, “Arbitration and/or mediation is a quasi-judicial matter regulated by law in Ekiti State.” He stressed that only the existing legal structures have the authority to manage such disputes.
The government remains committed to maintaining peace and order. Apata warned, “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.”
Political Implications in Ekiti State
The Commissioner acknowledged that the race for the 2026 governorship election is intensifying in the state. He accused opposition members of employing unethical practices to discredit the government.
Apata urged religious leaders to avoid being used as tools by politicians or fifth columnists.
“Religious leaders must be wary of being manipulated because the government will act firmly to uphold the law and safeguard peace in the state.”
Dayo Apata, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General Ekiti State
