January 28, (THEWILL) – Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has firmly rejected any attempt to establish a Sharia Court in the state, warning that such actions lack legal backing and will not be tolerated.
In a statement personally signed by the governor, Abiodun emphasized that courts operating in Ogun State must be established through the legal framework of the Nigerian Constitution.
He stated unequivocally that Sharia Courts are not recognized as part of the state’s judicial system.
The statement read, “The Ogun State government has noted the circulation of a digital notice announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in Ogun State. No Sharia Court is authorized to operate within Ogun State.
“The courts legally empowered to adjudicate disputes in Ogun State are those established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or by State Laws, namely: Magistrates’ Courts, High Court, Customary Courts, Customary Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.”
Abiodun clarified that no law currently in operation in Ogun State provides for the establishment of a Sharia Court, and Sharia law is not part of the legal framework under which the state is governed.
The statement added, “The Ogun State government upholds and protects the rights of individuals to practice the religion of their choice or to subscribe to no religion at all.
“However, this freedom does not extend to the creation of unauthorized 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.”
The governor also addressed those behind the purported Sharia Court, warning them to desist from all related activities immediately.
“The Ogun State government hereby directs all persons involved in the creation or operation of this unauthorized court to immediately cease all activities and disband the illegal entity and its apparatus,” the statement warned.
Abiodun further advised members of the public to disregard any summons, documents, or persons associated with the unauthorized Sharia Court and to report such activities to the state authorities promptly.
It added, “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.”
