Shariah Panel Holds First Public Sitting in Ekiti State, Resolves Marriage Dispute

The Independent Shariah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State has held its inaugural public sitting last Thursday at the renowned Oja Oba Central Mosque in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

The historic session, which has garnered significant public interest, was confirmed by local residents and Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic human rights organization.

The panel, consisting of three Kadhis—Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, Imam Abdulraheem Junaid-Bamigbola, and Dr. Ibrahim Aminullahi-Ogunrinde—addressed two marriage-related disputes during the session.

The first case brought before the panel involved a marital disagreement that had previously seen intervention from family members. The head of the panel, Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, announced that the case was successfully resolved through a consent judgment. This outcome highlighted the effectiveness of pre-existing family mediation, with the panel serving as a formal platform to finalize the agreement.

“This resolution demonstrates the value of community and family collaboration in addressing disputes within the framework of Islamic law,” remarked Imam Abdul-Mutolib.

The second case presented a more challenging scenario, with a woman accusing her husband of neglecting his marital responsibilities. To ensure a thorough examination of the claims and to allow time for additional investigations, the panel adjourned the hearing until January 30. The Kadhis emphasized their commitment to a fair and impartial resolution, reinforcing the panel’s role as an avenue for justice grounded in Islamic principles.

Meanwhile, the launch of the Shariah panel in Ekiti has not been without its critics. Several groups, particularly those advocating for regional unity, have voiced strong opposition to the introduction of Shariah law in the predominantly Yoruba South-West.

One such group, the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe branch of Afenifere—a leading Yoruba socio-cultural organization—issued a stern statement rejecting calls for Shariah law in the region.

“Yoruba people are too intelligent and enlightened to be gaslighted along religious divides,” the group stated. They warned that such moves could sow discord among the Yoruba people and urged proponents of Shariah law to desist immediately.

Afenifere emphasized the distinct cultural and religious composition of the South-West, which differs significantly from the Northern region, where Muslims form the majority. “The Yoruba South-West is known for its inclusivity and unity, and we must preserve this at all costs,” the group added.

The establishment of the Shariah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti highlights the complex interplay between religious practices and regional unity in Nigeria. For many Muslims in the state, the panel represents a significant step forward in resolving disputes within an Islamic framework. However, for critics, it raises concerns about the potential for division in a region celebrated for its cultural diversity and religious tolerance.

As the panel prepares for its next sitting on January 30, its decisions and impact will be closely watched. Whether it becomes a permanent fixture or a source of ongoing controversy, the Shariah Arbitration Panel’s debut in Ekiti is a defining moment in the state’s socio-religious landscape.

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