The Independent Shariah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State recently held its inaugural public sitting at the Oja Oba Central Mosque in Ado-Ekiti.
This development was confirmed by local residents and Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic human rights organization, to SaharaReporters.
The historic session took place last Thursday.
Reports indicate that the panel, presided over by three Kadhis—Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, Imam Abdulraheem Junaid-Bamigbola, and Dr. Ibrahim Aminullahi-Ogunrinde—addressed two marriage-related disputes.
In the first case, the head of the panel, Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, announced that the matter had been resolved through a consent judgment, aided by family interventions that facilitated a peaceful settlement.
The second case, involving allegations of marital neglect by a wife against her husband, was adjourned until January 30 to allow for further investigation and ensure a fair outcome.
The establishment and activities of the Shari’ah panel have sparked controversy, particularly from groups opposing the introduction of Sharia law in southwestern Nigeria.
READ ALSO: No Going Back On Sharia Law; It has Come to Stay in Southwest—Islamic Leader Insists
One such group, the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe branch of Yoruba socio-cultural organization Afenifere, has strongly condemned the push for Sharia law in the region.
The UK Afenifere warned advocates of Sharia law in the South-West to desist, emphasizing the risk of creating disunity among the Yoruba people.
The group stated that the Yoruba, being an enlightened and intelligent populace, are not easily divided along religious lines.
They further highlighted the distinct cultural and religious demographics of the predominantly Yoruba South-West compared to the Northern region, where Muslims form a majority.
(Saharareporters)
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