Ekiti State Denies Existence of Sharia Court or Similar Panel in Judicial Structure

MaTaZ ArIsInG
Dallas, Texas

The Ekiti State Government has debunked claims of a Sharia Court or proposed Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel in the state, reaffirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence among residents. 

In a statement issued on Thursday, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), clarified that the state’s judicial structure does not include a Sharia Court or a similar arbitration panel. He explained that issues of arbitration and mediation are quasi-judicial matters regulated by law and adequately handled by existing legal institutions in Ekiti.  

Apata stated that there is no Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel in the judicial structure of the State, as he noted that “Arbitration and/or mediation issues are quasi-judicial matters which are regulated by law” in the state. 

He further noted that the state has legal structures, including the Customary Court, Customary Court of Appeal, and High Court, which handle cases relating to Islamic, Christian, and traditional marriages, as well as inheritance disputes.  

Comparing the judicial systems of the North and South, Apata explained, “The Sharia Courts in the North are equivalent to the Customary Courts in the Southern part of Nigeria. The State similarly has Customary Courts that hear customary cases as well as the Customary Court of Appeal that hears appeals from the Customary Courts.”

The Attorney-General assured residents that these existing institutions are well-equipped to manage customary issues, including those stemming from Yoruba traditional marriages, Islamic marriages, and Christian marriages, especially those not formalised under statutory law.  

Apata cautioned against activities that could disrupt the peace in the state, stressing that the government remains committed to fostering harmonious coexistence. He attributed the misinformation about the alleged Sharia Court to political manoeuvring ahead of the 2026 governorship elections.  

He urged religious leaders to resist being used as tools by politicians and fifth columnists, warning that the state would enforce the full weight of the law to uphold constitutional values and maintain peace.  

Emphasising the state’s priority on peaceful coexistence, Apata stated that the government will not compromise on any action that could hinder peace or cause hostility in the State.

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