The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, has ordered the dissolution of the Sharia panel set up at the Central Mosque, Ado Ekiti, citing the need for peaceful coexistence and law and order in the community.
Oba Adejugbe made the announcement on Saturday during a meeting with his chiefs, community leaders, and prominent Muslim figures, including Sheik Jamiu Kewulere, the Chief Imam and President of the League of Imams and Alfas in the Southwest, Edo, and Delta states. The meeting was convened in response to growing tensions over the establishment of the panel.
The decision comes just two days after the Ekiti State government declared that the state’s legal framework does not recognize Sharia Courts or Arbitration Panels. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), clarified that legal matters concerning Islamic, Christian, and traditional marriages, as well as inheritance, have historically been handled by the Customary Court, Customary Court of Appeal, and the High Court without issues.
Addressing the meeting, Oba Adejugbe stated:
“This is a sensitive 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 discuss the matter.
We listened and understood that they set up a committee within the Central Mosque to mediate disputes. According to them, it was an internal arrangement with good intentions, not influenced by external forces.
However, I told them that the mood of the nation does not allow such an arrangement at this time. I advised them to revert to the traditional methods of resolving disputes without a formal committee. The panel stands dissolved. If we allow such a committee, Christians and traditional worshippers may also set up their own, potentially leading to crises.”The Chief Imam, Sheik Kewulere, confirmed the formation of the panel, which had already resolved one marriage dispute and was handling another. He, however, dismissed claims that it was meant to stir controversy or create division.
“The committee was purely to handle inheritance matters for our members. Muslims and adherents of other religions have always enjoyed cordial relationships in Ado Ekiti. There was no external influence or sinister motive behind it,” he stated.Despite his clarification, the monarch’s ruling means the panel will no longer operate, as community leaders emphasize maintaining unity and social harmony in Ekiti State.
