Ekiti State Government has dismissed claims suggesting the existence of a Sharia Court or an Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel within the state’s judicial system.
In a statement released on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata (SAN), clarified that no such court or panel operates within Ekiti, emphasizing that arbitration and mediation are quasi-judicial matters regulated by law.
Apata explained that the state has an existing legal framework, including the Customary Court, Customary Court of Appeal, and High Court, which handle issues related to Islamic, Christian, and traditional marriages, as well as inheritance disputes.
He further noted that Sharia Courts in northern Nigeria function similarly to Customary Courts in the south, with appeals directed to their respective appellate courts.
He assured that the state’s judiciary provides adequate mechanisms, including arbitration and mediation, to resolve customary matters, thereby eliminating the need for a separate Sharia Court.
Addressing concerns about the controversy surrounding the issue, Apata cautioned against actions that could disrupt the state’s peaceful coexistence, warning that the government would not tolerate any attempt to instigate religious disharmony.
He also hinted that political motives might be behind the misinformation, linking the claims to early campaign strategies ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
He urged religious leaders to avoid being used as tools for political interests, reaffirming the government’s commitment to upholding constitutional provisions and maintaining peace in the state.