Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has warned against any attempts to establish a Sharia Court in the state, following recent rumours of such an initiative.
The state government clarified that Sharia courts cannot be legally constituted without the appropriate legal backing.
In a statement, the government emphasized that it only recognizes courts established under the legal framework of the Nigerian Constitution. The statement made it clear that Sharia courts are not part of the legal system in Ogun State.
The Ogun State Government outlined that only courts created by the Constitution of Nigeria or state laws are authorized to adjudicate disputes in the state. These include Magistrates’ Courts, High Courts, Customary Courts, Customary Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.
The statement further clarified that no law in Ogun State has established a Sharia Court and that Sharia law does not form part of the state’s legal framework. The government affirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of individuals to practice their religion, but stressed that this does not extend to the creation of unauthorized institutions or courts.
The Ogun State Government also advised the public to disregard any summons or documents related to the illegal Sharia Court and to report any such incidents to the authorities. It assured residents that the state would continue to uphold the rule of law and ensure respect for the existing legal and judicial system.
The statement read, “The Ogun State Government has noted the circulation of a digital notice announcing the launch of a Shari’ah Court in Ogun State. No Sharia Court is authorised to operate within Ogun State.
“The courts that are legally empowered to adjudicate disputes arising within Ogun State are those established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or by State Laws, which are: Magistrates’ Courts, High Court, Customary Courts, Customary Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.
“No law operating in Ogun State has established a Sharia Court, and Sharia law does not form part of the legal framework by which the Ogun State Government administers and governs society.
“The Ogun State Government upholds and protects the rights of individuals to practise the religion of their choice, or to subscribe to no religion, and recognises the freedom of individuals to apply their faith in their personal and private matters.
“However, this freedom does not extend to the formation of unauthorised assemblies or institutions. No individual or group is legally permitted to constitute a court or present themselves to the public as a court without legal backing. Those behind that notice have no legal backing. They cannot set up a court or administer justice by fiat or public notice.
“The Ogun State Government also advises members of the public to disregard any summons, documents, or persons associated with the illegal Sharia Court. Such occurrences should be promptly reported to the state.
“The Ogun State Government will uphold the rule of law, ensure respect for the legal and judicial framework within the state, and prevent a breakdown of law and order.”
