The Ekiti State Government has officially stated that the existing legal framework does not recognize the establishment of a Sharia court or an Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel. This announcement follows reports that the Sharia panel had held its first public sitting, during which it resolved two marriage disputes based on Islamic law.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, clarified that the current judicial system, which includes Customary Courts and the High Court, is adequate for addressing all types of disputes, including those related to Islamic and traditional marriages. He expressed concerns that any attempts to introduce Sharia courts could disrupt the state’s commitment to peaceful coexistence among its residents.
Apata described the activities of the Sharia panel as politically motivated, suggesting that opposition parties are using the situation to gain leverage ahead of the upcoming elections. He emphasized that the government would not compromise on actions that might undermine peace in Ekiti State.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration views the emergence of the Sharia panel as a tactic by opposition members who, unable to challenge the government’s performance effectively, resort to creating controversies. Apata also urged religious leaders to be cautious of being manipulated by political agendas, reaffirming the government’s commitment to upholding the constitution and maintaining harmony among the populace.
This controversy is not unique to Ekiti. In Oyo State, plans for a Sharia court faced significant backlash, leading Governor Seyi Makinde to state that any establishment of such courts must comply with constitutional provisions.
As political tensions rise in Ekiti State, the government remains vigilant against any actions that could disrupt the delicate balance of peace in the region. With the 2026 governorship election approaching, the situation continues to attract attention from both local and national observers.
