No Sharia Court Authorised in Ogun, It’s Unconstitutional, Governor Dapo Abiodun Warns
The Ogun State Government has strongly opposed any attempt to establish a Sharia Court within the state, declaring such an institution unconstitutional and illegal.
Governor Dapo Abiodun issued a stern warning on Tuesday, stating that Sharia Courts cannot be legally constituted by any individual or group without the necessary legal backing. The statement was in response to a notice circulating online, announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in the state.
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No Legal Basis for Sharia Court in Ogun
According to the statement signed by the governor, Ogun State only recognises courts established under the legal framework of the Nigerian Constitution. The recognised courts include:
- Magistrates’ Courts
- High Court
- Customary Courts
- Customary Court of Appeal
- Federal High Court
- National Industrial Court
- Court of Appeal
- Supreme Court
The statement clarified that no law in Ogun State has established a Sharia Court, and therefore, such a court does not form part of the state’s judicial system.
Government’s Position on Religious Freedom
Governor Abiodun reaffirmed the Ogun State Government’s commitment to upholding the rights of individuals to practice their religion freely. However, he stressed that this right does not extend to establishing unauthorised 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 statement read. “Those behind this notice have no legal authority to set up a court or administer justice by fiat or public notice.”
Immediate Disbandment Ordered
The Ogun State Government has ordered that all activities related to the unauthorised Sharia Court must be halted immediately. It also urged the public to ignore any summons or documents issued by the illegal entity and report such occurrences to the authorities.
“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,” the statement concluded.
This development highlights the government’s stance against any parallel judicial system that is not recognised by the Nigerian Constitution, reinforcing the supremacy of the country’s legal framework.
