The Ogun State Government has issued a warning against attempts to establish a Sharia Court within the state without legal backing.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, in a statement released in Abeokuta on Tuesday, stressed that Sharia Courts cannot be legally constituted by individuals or groups without proper authorisation.
The government’s warning follows the circulation of a notice announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in Ogun State. Governor Abiodun clarified that the government only recognises courts established within the legal framework of the Nigerian Constitution.
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He stated that Sharia Courts do not form part of the legal framework operating within Ogun State.
“The Ogun State Government has noted the circulation of a digital notice announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in Ogun State,” he said. “No Sharia Court is authorised 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.”
These courts include Magistrates’ Courts, High Courts, Customary Courts, Customary Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.
Abiodun emphasised that Sharia law is not part of the legal framework governing the state.
However, the governor reassured that the state government respects the right of individuals to practice their religion or remain non-religious.
“The Ogun State Government recognises the freedom of individuals to apply their faith in their personal and private matters,” he said.
He further directed those involved in the creation or operation of the unauthorised Sharia Court to cease all related activities immediately and dismantle the illegal entity. He also advised the public to disregard any summons or documents linked to the unlawful Sharia Court.
“The Ogun State Government will uphold the rule of law, respect the legal and judicial framework, and prevent any breakdown of law and order,” he concluded.
