In a decisive move to maintain harmony in the community, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Ekiti Sate, Nigeria, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, has ordered the dissolution of the Sharia panel set up at the Central Mosque in Ado Ekiti. The announcement was made on Saturday during a meeting convened by the monarch with chiefs, community leaders, and prominent Muslim figures, including Sheik Jamiu Kewulere, President of the League of Imams and Alfas in the Southwest, Edo, and Delta States.
The move comes amid rising concerns and tensions within the state regarding the establishment of the panel, which had reportedly resolved two marriage disputes before being dissolved. Oba Adejugbe emphasized that the panel’s creation, while well-intentioned, could disrupt the delicate balance of peaceful coexistence among various religious and ethnic groups in Ekiti State.
“Based on this Sharia issue, I summoned the Chief Imam and his lieutenants, members of the Ewi-in-Council, the president of Ado Progressives Union, and Ado sons and daughters to deliberate on this matter,” the monarch stated. “We discovered that the committee was an internal arrangement within the mosque to handle disputes, but given the mood of the nation, such panels cannot be allowed now.”
Oba Adejugbe further noted, “If we allow such committees, Christians and traditional worshippers might also seek to establish similar panels, leading to unnecessary conflicts. Therefore, the panel stands dissolved, and disputes should return to being handled as they were by the mosque’s founding fathers.”
Ekiti State Government’s Stand
The dissolution aligns with the stance of the Ekiti State Government, which earlier reiterated that the state’s judicial framework does not recognize Sharia courts or arbitration panels. In a statement issued by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), the government emphasized that existing legal structures—including Customary Courts, Customary Court of Appeal, and the High Court—are sufficient to handle all disputes, including those related to Islamic, Christian, and traditional marriages.
“The government will not compromise on any action that may disrupt the prevailing peace in the state,” Apata warned. “Religious leaders must be cautious and avoid being used as tools by politicians or groups seeking to exploit sensitive issues for political gain.”
The Commissioner also clarified that the Sharia courts in northern Nigeria are equivalent to Customary Courts in the southern states. He urged residents to rely on the established judicial system to address disputes, ensuring compliance with the Constitution and state laws.
Sheik Jamiu Kewulere, the Chief Imam of Ado Ekiti, acknowledged the establishment of the panel, explaining that it aimed to provide arbitration based on Islamic jurisprudence. He dismissed allegations of ulterior motives, stating that the committee had only resolved one dispute and adjourned another before the dissolution.
“Muslims and adherents of other religions have coexisted peacefully in Ekiti State for years,” Kewulere said. “The panel was purely an internal effort to address disputes amicably, but we respect the decision of the Ewi-in-Council.”
The controversy surrounding the Sharia panel has sparked broader political and social concerns. Observers note that the issue has become a talking point ahead of the 2026 governorship election, with accusations that opposition groups are using it to create divisions. The government has warned against any actions that could jeopardize peace and coexistence in the state.
This development mirrors a similar incident in Oyo State, where plans to establish a Sharia court in Oyo town faced public outcry, prompting Governor Seyi Makinde to clarify that such courts would only be allowed if consistent with the Constitution.
Oba Adejugbe’s swift intervention underscores the need for leadership in maintaining religious and cultural harmony in Ekiti State. As the state continues to navigate its diversity, the emphasis remains on unity and adherence to constitutional provisions. The dissolution of the Sharia panel serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to foster peace in a multicultural society.
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