Ekiti Shari’ah panel holds maiden public sitting

The Independent Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State has conducted its inaugural public sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, marking a significant step in providing arbitration grounded in Islamic jurisprudence. The session, presided over by three Kadis—Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, Imam Abdulraheem Junaid-Bamigbola, and Dr Ibrahim Aminullahi-Ogunrinde—addressed two marriage-related disputes. In the first case, the panel […]

The Independent Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State has conducted its inaugural public sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, marking a significant step in providing arbitration grounded in Islamic jurisprudence.

The session, presided over by three Kadis—Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, Imam Abdulraheem Junaid-Bamigbola, and Dr Ibrahim Aminullahi-Ogunrinde—addressed two marriage-related disputes.

In the first case, the panel resolved the matter through a consent judgment, with Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib attributing the peaceful settlement to prior interventions by family members.

The second case involved a wife accusing her husband of neglecting his marital responsibilities. After hearing both parties, the panel adjourned the matter to January 30, allowing time for further investigation to ensure a just resolution.

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Imam Abdul-Mutolib underscored the importance of couples upholding Allah’s injunctions in marriage, urging wives to remain submissive to their husbands and content with their provisions.

Highlighting the panel’s significance, Alhaji Hammed Bakare, President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ekiti State, explained that the Shari’ah arbitration process is entirely voluntary and adheres to Islamic principles.

“Shari’ah adjudication is not mandatory for all. It is intended for Muslims or those who willingly submit their disputes to it. Non-Muslims are welcome to participate if they so choose, but it remains a voluntary process,” Bakare clarified.

Deputy President of the council, Barrister Tajudeen Hammed, emphasized that the Shari’ah panel operates in harmony with the state’s civil judicial system, basing its rulings strictly on Islamic scriptures, including the Qur’an and Hadith, without conflicting with existing legal frameworks.

The Shari’ah Arbitration Panel was inaugurated by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in October 2024 in Ado-Ekiti to provide a platform for resolving civil disputes such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance in accordance with Islamic principles for Muslims and other willing participants.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Government has reiterated that the Shari’ah arbitration panel is not part of the state’s judicial structure.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata (SAN), clarified that Ekiti State’s existing legal framework—comprising the Customary Court, Customary Court of Appeal, and High Court—already handles issues related to Islamic, Christian, and traditional marriages, as well as inheritance, without contention.

Apata noted that the state’s high courts and other courts also offer arbitration and mediation mechanisms.

While recognising the religious sensitivity of the matter, he cautioned against actions that could disrupt the government’s commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence among residents.