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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the first case, the panel\u2019s head, Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, announced that the couple\u2019s dispute was resolved through a consent judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The resolution was made possible thanks to previous efforts by family members, who laid the groundwork for a peaceful agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The panel explained that the adjournment would allow additional investigations to ensure a fair outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking on the panel\u2019s significance, the President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ekiti State, Alhaji Hammed Bakare, emphasized that the Shari\u2019ah adjudication process is voluntary and adheres strictly to Islamic principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He clarified that litigants can choose to use the Islamic Arbitration system but are not obligated to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShari\u2019ah 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.\u201d Alhaji Bakare clarified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The council\u2019s Deputy President, Barrister Tajudeen Hammed, also highlighted that the Shari\u2019ah panel operates in harmony with the state\u2019s civil jurisdiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He stressed that its rulings are based strictly on Islamic scriptures, including the Qur\u2019an and Hadith, and do not conflict with existing civil legal frameworks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSubmitting grievances to the Shari\u2019ah 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\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Barrister Hammed hailed the Kadhis for their expertise and dedication, commending their erudition in Islamic jurisprudence and their application of Qur\u2019anic and Hadith knowledge during the proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Shari\u2019ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State was formally inaugurated by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in October 2024 in Ado Ekiti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"