Gov Abiodun Opposes Creation of Sharia Court in Ogun State

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has issued a strong warning against the establishment of a Sharia court in the state. Explore the reasons behind his stance and its implications.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has issued a warning against attempts to set up a Sharia Court within the state.

In a statement he signed on Tuesday, Abiodun emphasized that individuals or groups cannot legally establish Sharia Courts without proper legal authorization.

He stated that the state government recognizes only those courts established under the legal framework of the Nigerian Constitution. He added that a Sharia Court is not included within this state’s operating legal structure.

Abiodun stated, “The Ogun State Government has recognized the distribution of a digital notice regarding the establishment of a Shari’ah Court in Ogun State.”

Sharia Courts are not permitted to function within Ogun State. The only courts with legal authority to resolve disputes in this area, as outlined by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or state legislation, include Magistrates’ Courts, High Court, Customary Courts, Customary Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

There is no legislation in Ogun State that has set up a Sharia Court, and Sharia law is not included in the legal system used by the Ogun State Government to administer and govern society.

The Ogun State Government supports and defends individuals’ rights to practice any religion of their choosing, or none at all. It acknowledges the freedom for people to express their beliefs in personal and private aspects of life.

However, this freedom does not include the right to form unauthorized assemblies or institutions. Individuals or groups are legally prohibited from establishing a court or presenting themselves as a court without legal authorization.

The individuals responsible for that notice lack any legal authority. They do not have the power to establish a court or dispense justice through decree or public announcement.

The Ogun State Government orders that everyone involved in establishing or running this unauthorized court must halt all activities related to it and dissolve the illegal entity along with its infrastructure immediately.

The Ogun State Government urges the public to ignore any summons, documents, or individuals linked to the unauthorized Sharia Court. Any such incidents should be immediately reported to the state authorities.

The Ogun State Government is committed to maintaining the rule of law, respecting the legal and judicial framework within the state, and preventing any disruption of law and order.