Ekiti state

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, and others, have publicly shared their perspectives after the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, decided to dissolve the Sharia arbitration panel established in the central mosque of the state.

This platform reported that Independent Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State recently held its first public sitting at the popular Oja Oba Central Mosque, Ado-Ekiti.

Professor Ishaq Akintola, the head of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), had issue a statement stating that a Shariah panel held its first meeting last Thursday.

The panel was presided by three Kadhis: Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, Imam Abdulraheem Junaid-Bamigbola, and Dr. Ibrahim Aminullahi-Ogunrinde, where two marital disputes was entertained.

During the first trial, the head of the panel, Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, announced that the dispute between the couple was resolved through a consent judgment.

This resolution was facilitated by earlier interventions from family members, which paved the way for a peaceful settlement.

But the panel adjourned the second trial till January 30 for a continuation hearing. The case involved allegations by a wife accusing her husband of neglecting his marital responsibility.

The panel explained that the adjournment would allow additional investigations to ensure a fair decision.

The sitting of the panel came amid a series of opposition from groups against the implementation of Sharia law in the southwestern region of Nigeria.

The dissolve

Meanwhile, the state government, in a statement issued by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, SAN, clarified that the Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel is not part of the state’s judicial structure and will not be permitted within the state.

Days after the government’s position, the traditional ruler of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe asked the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs to dissolve the Sharia arbitration panel set up in the state capital’s central mosque.

Adejugbe issued the directive in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday during a meeting with Jamie Kewulere, chief imam and president of the league of imams and alfas in the south-west, Edo and Delta states; traditional rulers and other Muslim leaders.

The monarch said that though the panel was set up with good intentions, the timing is unsuitable.

He said if it is allowed to exist, other faiths will want to tow the same path “and before you know it, it will lead to crises”.

“Based on this Sharia issue, I summoned the Chief Imam and his lieutenants, members of the Ewi-in-Council, the president of Ado Progressives Union and Ado sons and daughters to discuss the matter because it is a sensitive issue,” Punch quoted Adejugbe as saying.

“We all listened and it appears they set up a committee at the Central Mosque with the intention to listen to disputes. According to them, they have good intentions and it was an internal arrangement that has nothing to do with any external person or somebody influencing them.

“I told them the mood of the nation will not allow such to happen now, that they should revert to how the founding fathers of the mosque had been settling disputes in the past without setting up a committee.

“I told them that there is no need for the committee and they should dissolve the committee henceforth. That is the decision of the Ewi-in-Council and that is the position of all Ado sons and daughters.

“The panel stands dissolved. If we should allow such committees, the Christians too will want to set up committees in their various churches, the traditional worshippers too and before you know it, it will lead to crises.”

Earlier, Chief Imam Kewulere, who attended the meeting with the monarch, confirmed the establishment of Sharia committee, noting that it had successfully resolved one marriage dispute and adjourned another. He rejected all allegations of sinister motives behind its creation.

Kewulere emphasised that Muslims and followers of other faiths had enjoyed harmonious relations, stating, “The committee was fundamentally created to address inheritance matters for the benefit of our members.”

He dismissed claims that it was intended to incite conflict and denied any external influence or involvement.

Supreme Council reacts

Responding to Adejugbe’s comments, the Islamic supreme council, in a statement issued on Sunday, said it was embarrassed by the monarch’s actions

It reiterated that what it set up is not a Sharia court but an arbitration panel “to mediate among willing Muslims in Ekiti State”.

In a statement co-signed by Hammed Bakare and Ahmad Yusuf, its president and spokesperson, respectively, the council rejected the monarch’s call to dissolve the panel, arguing that Sharia is part of Islam.

“The freedom of religion is guaranteed by virtue of Section 38 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and we do not need approval from any quarter before we practice our religion,” the statement reads.

“We totally reject the purported cancellation of the Independent Shariah Arbitration Panel and we shall continue to practice our religion within the ambit of the law.

“We appeal to the entire Muslim Ummah in Ekiti State to remain calm as we continue to engage the relevant stakeholders on the issue”.

Ekiti MSSN kicks

Similarly, the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Ekiti State Area Unit kicks in opposition of the state government and Ado monarch on the Sharia committee.

MSSN said it “expresses its deep concern regarding the pronouncement by the Ewi in Council to halt the Independent Shari’a Arbitration Panel, which was officially established by the leadership of the Muslim community, despite the involvement of key stakeholders in the state.”

The statement signed on behalf of the Muslim Body by Jimoh Owonifari Kareem added that “This decision is seen as a clear indication of animosity towards Islam and Muslims in Ekiti State.

“It is regrettable that influential figures, including the Attorney General, can be swayed by unfounded social media outcries fueled by individuals with ulterior motives.This response, based on misinformation and misrepresentation, not only undermines the dignity of Muslims in the state but also represents a significant form of oppression and injustice.

“Numerous arbitration panels exist in Ekiti State that are publicly featured on radio and television without facing any condemnation. We question how many of these panels have been criticized by the Ewi in Council or deemed in violation of legal standards by the State Attorney General. This situation is a direct affront to the office of the President General of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land, Edo, and Delta states, who is also from Ekiti State. This dignified individual has consistently promoted peace and coexistence among all, regardless of faith. To suggest he could incite chaos, as insinuated by certain parties, is an insult to his office and to the entire Muslim community in Yoruba Land.

“It is essential to clarify that the Shari’a Arbitration Panel in Ekiti is designed solely to resolve disputes among willing Muslims in accordance with Islamic principles. Its primary goal is to provide a peaceful platform for conflict resolution, fostering unity, understanding, and adherence to Islamic ethics. The panelists aim to interpret Allah’s injunctions and provide guidance based on Shari’a principles. Any claims that this panel adversely affects the state are, in our view, a subtle expression of animosity towards Islam and Muslims.

“The establishment of the Shari’a panel brought immense joy to the MSSN Ekiti Area Unit, as we have historically adhered to Shari’a principles in our activities since the creation of Ekiti State. Our commitment to Shari’a has bolstered our harmonious relationships and progress, evident in our successful schools and economic empowerment initiatives, which adhere to non-interest-based principles. Many non-Muslims have shown interest in enrolling their children in our schools due to the moral standards upheld through our Shari’a compliance.

“Furthermore, our practices extend to burial rites, as we ensure our deceased are laid to rest in Muslim cemeteries, reflecting our adherence to Shari’a. The MSSN Ekiti State Area Unit’s commitment to Shari’a has been longstanding and has not infringed upon the rights of others or created chaos within the state.

“As a law-abiding entity, the MSSN Ekiti State Area Unit will continue to uphold Shari’a principles. We will resist any attempts to obstruct our practices or deny us our fundamental religious rights, viewing such actions as deliberate attempts to hinder our progress and that of future generations. We are committed to utilizing all legal means to defend our rights.

“Our Shari’a Arbitration Panel, established by previous leadership, has successfully resolved numerous marital disputes and conflicts among Muslims, fostering peace, unity, and collective career advancement among our members.

“Insha Allah, the Shari’a Arbitration Panel will remain an integral part of our operations within the MSSN Ekiti State Area Unit. We firmly believe that no individual or group can prevent us from practicing our faith.”

In Ado Ekiti, the Independent Shari’ah Arbitration Panel of Ekiti State conducted its first public session. The panel offers dispute resolution based on Islamic law principles.

A panel of three religious leaders, consisting of Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, Imam Abdulraheem Junaid-Bamigbola, and Dr. Ibrahim Aminullahi-Ogunrinde, resolved two legal disputes involving marriages.

First case

In the first case, the panel’s head, Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, announced that the couple’s dispute was resolved through a consent judgment.

The resolution was made possible thanks to previous efforts by family members, who laid the groundwork for a peaceful agreement.

Second case

However, the second case, involving allegations by a wife accusing her husband of neglecting his marital responsibilities, was adjourned until January 30 for further hearing after listening to both parties.

The panel explained that the adjournment would allow additional investigations to ensure a fair outcome.

Imam Abdul-Mutolib emphasized the importance of the couple fearing Allah and adhering to His injunctions in marriage, urging wives to be submissive to their husbands and content with their provisions.

significance-

Speaking on the panel’s significance, the President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ekiti State, Alhaji Hammed Bakare, emphasized that the Shari’ah adjudication process is voluntary and adheres strictly to Islamic principles.

He clarified that litigants can choose to use the Islamic Arbitration system but are not obligated to.

“Shari’ah adjudication is not compulsory for all; it is meant for Muslims or those who willingly choose to submit their grievances to it. Non-Muslims may also participate, but it remains entirely voluntary.” Alhaji Bakare clarified.

The council’s Deputy President, Barrister Tajudeen Hammed, also highlighted that the Shari’ah panel operates in harmony with the state’s civil jurisdiction.

He stressed that its rulings are based strictly on Islamic scriptures, including the Qur’an and Hadith, and do not conflict with existing civil legal frameworks.

“Submitting grievances to the Shari’ah panel is an integral part of our faith as Muslims. However, it is not mandatory for anyone, including Muslims, to seek redress through this system”.

Barrister Hammed hailed the Kadhis for their expertise and dedication, commending their erudition in Islamic jurisprudence and their application of Qur’anic and Hadith knowledge during the proceedings.

-Flash-

The Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State was formally inaugurated by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in October 2024 in Ado Ekiti.

Its primary purpose is to provide a platform for resolving disputes, especially civil matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, etc., in line with Islamic principles for Muslims and willing participants